Petra Verkerk

Petra Verkerk is an experienced program director specializing in the social domain at Gemeente Gouda, where responsibilities include overseeing regional work organization for Midden-Holland and serving as secretary and chief advisor to municipal executives. Petra has held various roles including regional program manager, strategic policy advisor, project leader for the decentralization of the Participatiewet, and team leader for reintegration services. Prior to Gemeente Gouda, Petra worked at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture, and Innovation, focusing on the development of business policy and coordinating economic policy alignment among various levels of government. Petra's academic background includes an MSc in Economics and Social Sciences from Utrecht University, along with numerous professional development courses in organizational and change management.