Jaap Velema

Jaap Velema has extensive experience in both municipal governance and the banking sector. Velema has served as Burgemeester of Gemeente Westerwolde since December 2018, previously holding the position of Wethouder in Gemeente Veendam from June 2014 to December 2018, where responsibilities included youth care, health care, and cultural participation. Prior to this, Velema was Wethouder in gemeente Hoogezand-Sappemeer, overseeing education, youth care, and environmental matters from May 2010 to May 2014. Velema's banking career includes roles as Senior Private Banker at Van Lanschot Bankiers and Accountmanager Private Banking at Rabobank, along with experience as a Financial Advisor at ING Bank. Velema holds a Drs. degree in Juridische Bestuurswetenschappen from the University of Groningen, obtained between 1983 and 1990.