BORDA's organisational bodies
General Assembly
The General Assembly is the highest body of BORDA and consists of all members. It makes important decisions, such as electing the Executive Board and auditors, setting membership fees, approving the budget and discharging the Executive Board. An ordinary meeting is convened at least once a year, or extraordinarily if necessary. Invitations are sent out in writing or by e-mail. Resolutions are usually passed by a simple majority and recorded in the minutes. Meetings can also be held virtually and members can be represented.
The Board
The Board consists of four to nine members, including the first and deputy chairmen, the treasurer and the secretary. In addition, up to five assessors can be elected. The members of the Executive Board are elected by the General Assembly for a two-year term and remain in office until a new election is held. The Board works on an honorary basis, although certain advisory services may be remunerated. The task of BORDA’s Executive Board is to manage the business. In doing so, the members of the Executive Board refer to the basis of the Articles of Association and the resolutions of the General Meeting of Members. The Board meets regularly on a quarterly basis to hold Board meetings. The Managing Board Member (Managing Director) is responsible for the organisation’s business. If the first chairperson is unable to attend, the deputy chairperson takes over. The Board adopts its own rules of procedure and is made up of members from various fields such as politics, science and civil society in order to ensure a broad range of expertise.
Chairman of the Board - Dr. Michael Stiller
Since 2012, Dr. Michael Stiller has headed the Department of Natural History at the Overseas Museum Bremen (Übersee-Museum Bremen). Prior to this role, he worked at the museum for more than ten years as a research associate, contributing to and shaping numerous projects.
His scientific career began in 1982 at Philipps University Marburg, where he studied biology and completed his diploma thesis at the Biological Institute Helgoland in 1989. He subsequently earned his doctorate at the University of Bremen, focusing on polychaetes, a group of marine segmented worms.
From 1990 to 1994, Dr. Stiller worked at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research in Bremerhaven. Since 1996, he has also worked periodically as an independent biologist specializing in marine faunistics. His scientific publications cover both faunistic research and museum-related topics.
His many years of expertise and the close relationship between the Übersee-Museum and BORDA also shape his work as Chair of the Executive Board.
Stories of former chairmen of the Board
In the past, the position of Chairmen of the Board was held by Hans Budde (1977-1995), Arend Vollers (1995-2001) and Joachim Klaembt (2002-2025). Since 2025, Dr. Michael Stiller has assumed this role.
Former Chairs of the Board Arend Vollers and Hans Budde offer insights into their personal history with and at BORDA.
Managing Director
The position of Managing Director at BORDA has previously been held by Ulrich Reeps (1978-1996), Dr. Ekkehard Naumann (1996-1998), Peter Diemer (1998-2001), Stefan Reuter (2002-2004 and 2014-2019), and Andreas Ulrich (2005-2013). Since 2019, Judith Ringlstetter has assumed this responsibility.
Judith Ringlstetter introduces herself
After completing my secondary education in the United Kingdom, I trained as a bank clerk in Germany. Following several years of professional experience in the private sector in Germany and abroad, I studied law in Hamburg and Boston. After holding various positions, including roles with major international corporations, I joined the development organisation BORDA in January 2018.
In August 2019, I assumed responsibility for BORDA’s management, and since August 2020 I have served on the Executive Board as Managing Board Member. Based in Bremen, I am responsible for BORDA’s overall management, ranging from strategic development and cooperation with our partners and donors to finance, human resources, and governance.
My background in business and law continues to shape my work to this day.
I am committed to ensuring that decentralised water solutions and access to basic sanitation have a lasting impact where they are needed most, supported by strong local partnerships.
Deputy Chairmen
- Dr. Michael Stiller 2024 - today
- Jens Bruns 2013 - 2024
- Arend Vollers 2002- 2012
- Joachim Klaembt 1999–2001
- Ulrich Reeps 1996–1998
- Arend Vollers 1994–1995
- Adolf Pösel 1989–1993
- Karl H. Grabbe 1983–1988
- Dr. Herbert Ganslmayr 1978–1982
Organisational Chart
