For nearly three decades, Jan Willem van Bergen has developed a unique blend of business experience and community service. On the business side, he has risen to the top ranks of the hospitality industry. In doing so, he has accumulated a rare and valuable combination of experience at leading hotels and resorts, along with and contacts worldwide. Most recently, Mr. Van Bergen served as Senior Vice President of a major European Vacation Club, which is among the worldwide leaders of the vacation ownership industry.

Multi-lingual, Mr. Van Bergen began his career in the Hotel Industry in Europe and worked for many years at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo. Following studies at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration, he served as Food and Beverage Director in a variety of highly rated hotels in the United States.

Fifteen years ago, he joined a major European Vacation Club and was assigned to develop the timeshare business in the United States and elsewhere in the Americas. His duties have included acquisition, development and negotiations on projects in the United States, the Caribbean, but have also had similar responsibility with European properties.

Mr. Van Bergen was the distinguished recipient of ARDA ACE Community Service Award in 2000. He is an ARDA Trustee and serves on many ARDA Committees.

The second key facet of his career has been to achieve outstanding success in community service that matches his sterling business experience. For over two decades, Mr. Van Bergen has been one of the key visionaries who have dedicated themselves to improving their New York City Community, best known to the world as "Hell's Kitchen." To paraphrase former President Harry Truman, Jan Willem van Bergen "could stand the heat and didn't get out of the kitchen."

He has been a leader in the transformation of that neighborhood. In his dual capacity as President of Worldwide Plaza's Student Outreach Program and President of its Residential and Condominium Board's, the area has changed from a place of conflict to one known for conciliation and progress for all.

Jan Willem van Bergen Henegouwen resides in New York City.