Museum van de Geest in Amsterdam Appoints New Board for Future Growth
Museum van de Geest | Dolhuys, a significant cultural institution in Amsterdam dedicated to mental health and the human mind, has announced the appointment of a new governing board. This strategic move, effective April 1, 2025, aims to strengthen the museum's foundation and expand its reach through diverse professional expertise. The new board members bring extensive experience from various sectors, including healthcare, social welfare, politics, and business.
Strengthening the Museum's Vision and Community Engagement
The newly formed board comprises accomplished individuals poised to contribute to the museum's mission. Stannie Driessen, Director and Secretary-General of the Council for Public Health (RVS), offers a wealth of experience in healthcare and social domains, along with a broad political network. Her analytical skills are expected to bridge the museum with both the healthcare sector and policy-makers.
Dilia Leitner, Senior Consultant for Strategy, Sustainability, and Business Development at Zilveren Kruis, focuses on regional wellbeing initiatives. She emphasizes the museum's crucial role in fostering mental health for all, stating its importance as a place everyone should visit. Her background as a former faction leader and board member of the Achmea Pension Fund also provides political and administrative acumen.
Marith Volp, Director of Public Health and Care at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), is another key addition. A trained general practitioner with experience as a Member of Parliament, she also served as director of operations in acute and forensic psychiatry. Until April 2025, she chaired the GeestKracht program committee of FNO, a foundation supporting vulnerable individuals.
Marc Huibregts, an interim director with a background in leading roles at companies like Accenture and Saatchi & Saatchi, will apply his expertise in growth strategies to the museum's business market, sponsorships, marketing, and communication efforts. Marie-Luce Bree will continue her valuable contribution as a board member, focusing on the cultural sector.
Starting September 1, Yvonne van Popta will join as treasurer. With two decades of experience in the cultural sector, including significant roles at Stadsschouwburg & Philharmonie in Haarlem and currently at de Doelen in Rotterdam, she brings essential financial and operational insight.
A New Governance Model for Sustainable Development
Stephan Valk, the board's chairman, expressed enthusiasm for the new appointments, highlighting the invaluable experience the members bring from business, politics, and social fields. This expertise is deemed vital for securing the long-term financial stability of Museum van de Geest.
The museum transitioned to a new governance model on April 1, shifting from a supervisory board structure to a new board with an appointed director. Marije Kool was previously announced as the new director. Stephan Valk also extended gratitude to the outgoing members of the supervisory board, Diederik Six, Sam Schoch, and Jan van Hoek, for their dedicated service, noting Diederik Six's eight-year term. They will remain available to the museum in advisory capacities.
This restructuring and the addition of diverse talents underscore the Museum van de Geest's commitment to advancing its mission and impact within the cultural landscape of Amsterdam.
To learn more about unique cultural institutions like this one, explore other museums or browse our interactive map on Musemap (musemap.art).
