Désirée Zijlstra

Désirée Zijlstra possesses extensive experience in legal advisory and project management, with a current position at Polaris since 2008, focusing on housing, energy transition, safety, and liability. As the Chair of the Supervisory Board at Streekstad Centraal since February 2024, Zijlstra plays a strategic role in the professionalization of the local public broadcaster. Additionally, as a co-founder and board member of Ons Dorp since November 2021, Zijlstra is involved in governance, legal, and political matters for the largest political party in Bergen. Prior experience includes serving as a lawyer and legal advisor for the European Commission from 2001 to 2007, where Zijlstra handled legal cases and contributed to the drafting of European legislation. Earlier legal expertise was developed at Schenkeveld Advocaten from 1997 to 2000. Zijlstra holds a Master of Laws degree from Utrecht University, completed in 1996.