In memoriam: Michelle Fisser
Just over three weeks ago, our chair, Michelle Fisser, passed away completely unexpectedly. For many, she was a familiar face and the driving force behind the VCO. Her energy, creativity, and boundless passion for the profession were truly infectious. Whenever Michelle asked for something, she did so with full conviction — and hardly anyone wanted or was able to say no, because it always helped the association and advanced the development of our field.
A dignified and loving farewell
Last Friday, together with a number of members, we said our goodbyes to Michelle — in a packed church, filled with Christmas ambiance. During the service, large screens displayed more than a hundred photos and several videos of Michelle, almost always smiling, radiant, and enjoying life. There were moving words from her family, her student association, and her friends. The most heartbreaking words came from her husband and children. The way we knew Michelle professionally is exactly how she was in her personal life: warm, engaged, and full of sparkle. The VCO and her passion for compliance were mentioned multiple times, with a playful nod to the fact that at home, she was not always entirely compliant. After the service, the board members present lit a candle for Michelle. Far too soon — but a worthy farewell.
What Michelle meant to the VCO and our community
Since becoming chair in 2022, Michelle took tremendous steps toward further professionalizing the compliance field. She succeeded in connecting professionals from all sectors to the VCO, embraced Regtech as a vital part of our domain, and — together with many of you — contributed substantive input to several legislative proposals. She also brought lightness and levity to a profession that is normally so serious. Within the association, she was there for everyone, also on a personal level. Anyone who spoke with her could always hear the love she had for her family, and her genuine attention to the person behind the professional.
Donating to the Netherlands Brain Bank
In accordance with the family’s wishes, we kindly ask members who wish to honor Michelle to consider making a donation to the Netherlands Brain Bank:
IBAN NL76 INGB 0002 1673 78
In the name of: De Stichting Vrienden van het Herseninstituut
Reference: De Nederlandse Hersenbank
Share your favorite memory
We would like to gather all personal memories of Michelle and present them to her family at an appropriate moment. You can share your favorite memory with us via this link. If you have a beautiful photo of Michelle, you can send it to info@vco.nl.
Finally
On behalf of the board and the Advisory Council, we express our deep gratitude for all that Michelle has meant to us. Her legacy lives on in the professionalization of our field, in the way we work together, and in the humanity she brought to each and every day.
Rest in peace, Michelle.