Charlotte Brand joined the CPO as director in May 2025. Prior to that, she held various positions in education, including at the Centre for Parliamentary History, Utrecht University and HAN University of Applied Sciences. Alongside her work in education, Brand has been active within the Nijmegen branch of the PvdA since 2018 and has served as its faction leader since 2021. If her nomination is approved by the municipal council, she will become alderman responsible for work and income, poverty reduction, education and equal opportunities, the connection between education and the labour market, and cultural heritage.
An Honour and a New Challenge
Brand describes her nomination as a great honour: “Although leaving the CPO was not an easy decision, I consider it a great honour to have been nominated as an alderman for the Municipality of Nijmegen. In my various roles at Radboud University and the CPO, I have gained valuable experience and insights that I will take with me into this new position. I realise that my possible departure will create a vacancy at the CPO. At the same time, I have great confidence in the people who work here. I leave behind a team that is committed every day to providing high-quality education for professionals in the legal field. I am confident that they will successfully continue on the course we have set.”
Proud of Her Contribution to the City
Dean Frits-Joost Beekhoven van den Boezem congratulated Brand on her nomination:
“It is wonderful to see Charlotte take on a portfolio in Nijmegen in which education and equal opportunities play such an important role. These are themes that closely match her experience and commitment. We are proud that someone from our faculty is taking on this responsibility for the city, and we wish her all the best.”
Jako van Hees, chair of the CPO Board, thanked Brand for her contribution to the organisation:
“Charlotte has dedicated herself to the CPO with great energy and commitment and has proven herself to be a highly capable administrator. We have enjoyed working together very much and are grateful for her efforts. Naturally, we are sorry to see her leave, but this step is well deserved for both Charlotte and the Municipality of Nijmegen. We wish her every success in her new role.”
The Nijmegen municipal council will vote on Brand’s nomination on 17 June.