Born in 1959. Utrecht, Gelderland, Flevoland. Degree in Nursing Studies 1976-1981. Master in Political Studies, Free University of Amsterdam 1981-1987. Member of executive board in a retail company 1987-1996. Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management: Senior advisor/Head of office, 1996-2001, Dep. Director for Transport and Infrastructure 2001-2004. Member of the CDJA executive committee 1981-1984, Member of the CDA executive committee 1987-1994, Member of the EPP Bureau 1989-1994. Vice-president of board of governors, ‘Zon en Schild’ psychiatric hospital 1990-1999. Member, Zeist City Council, for CDA 1994-1999. Vice-President European Peoples Party since 2006. Vice-President of the EPP Group. MEP since 2004.