Klazien Hartog

What made you decide to become a board member? 

I was born on the Zaan, and I’ve been fascinated by water ever since I was a child. When I was asked to join the list, I made sure to do my homework first, because there’s a huge difference between loving water and actually going out on it! 

What do you like most about your role as a director? 

The depth—the way in which, as a leader, you can truly make a difference on both a small and large scale, so that the issues that matter really do count. 

What do you find most enjoyable or interesting about your role as a director? 

Meeting all kinds of people who work on water management and the development of the Netherlands. But I also enjoy the friendly interactions with residents who have expectations of the water board. 

What do you think are the defining characteristics of the role of a director? 

We operate at a different administrative level than a municipality or a province. We are responsible for water management, and this will become increasingly important in the coming years. 

How do you balance your role as a director with other responsibilities, such as work or your personal life? 

That’s quite a challenge for me as an executive director, too! Water is becoming increasingly important, so we have to be involved in everything. That makes it quite a challenge to find a few free hours in my schedule. 

What does your typical week or month as a board member look like? 

Week: On Mondays, I usually don’t have any meetings scheduled for the water board; instead, I read documents and emails and prepare for work.  

Tuesdays are usually pretty packed for us. In the evening, I often have a party meeting. On Tuesday mornings, we have a board meeting or a strategy session, followed by one-on-one meetings with staff to set the course or direction for various topics.  

On Wednesdays, I often start later; we usually have a meeting in the evening, and that can run late.  

I usually have appointments on Thursdays as well; those are often out of the office—meetings in Amersfoort, Utrecht, or elsewhere.  

I also have meetings here and there on Fridays, but sometimes it’s just a day to catch my breath, make a few calls, or read emails and documents. My evenings are often filled with phone calls, emails, or reading as well. 

What has serving as a director brought you? 

I can make a contribution to beautiful North Holland. It’s pretty exciting, though—it’s a job that comes with a lot of responsibility. 

What is it like to work as a director? 

That's great, but with all the climate change, it's also a bit worrying—we'll have to adapt, and that takes effort and time... 

Why should people become board members of the water board? 

The work of the water board is important, which is why it is also important that we continue to welcome new board members who are enthusiastic about our important work. 

What makes working as a director challenging or appealing? 

The range of issues and the representation of all residents in policy-making. 

What advice would you give to prospective board members? 

Start off slowly, read up on things thoroughly, and ask questions—everyone at the water board is eager to work with you. ;-) 

What is your top tip for prospective board members? 

Just go for it, and keep learning. The water board is so much fun!