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10- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, May 6, 1997 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" The making of a president Dr. Jack Cottrell elected head of the powerful Ontario Dental Association By J. Peter Hvidsten Port Perry Star OST PEOPLE know him as Jack, or Dr. Jack and for many they recognize him as the smil- ing, jovial dentist at Port Perry Dental Centre on Queen St. But the Port Perry resident of 23 years 1s also a person who relentlessly searches for new challenges and strives to excel at whatever he does. And the challenges he will face over the next year are vast and varied. Dr. Jack Cottrell took his quest to a new height last Friday night when he was inducted as the new president of the 6,000 member Ontario Dental + Association at an impressive black-tie ceremony at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Becoming president of the prestigious ODA isn't something that is achieved without considerable leadership experi- ence at other levels. For more two decades, since his grad- uation in 1975, Dr. Cottrell has made his "No matter how tired he is, Jack always gives 110%." - Dr. John Stewart home in Scugog and during that time he's worked hard for the community serving as a member of council, chairman of Town Hall 1873, chairman of the new library building committee and a director »f the Big Brothers and the Scugog Chamber of Commerce. In 1982 he decided it was time to give something back to his profession and was elected president of the Durham Region Dental Society. The Durham society rep- resents about 150 dentists and is the liai- son with its provincial association. Six years later he was elected to the board of governors of the ODA and served as the Durham representative on the pro- vincial board until being elected to the executive council, the governing body of the ODA which represents more than 6,000 Ontario dentists. Among its many functions, this board is responsible for setting policy and fee structures, government relations, lobby- ing and working with the insurance industry. Now firmly entrenched in the associa- tion, Dr. Cottrell set his sights on the future, formulating the direction he felt the ODA should take as it headed into the next century. But his vision wasn't met without oppo- "He's probably one of the hardest working individuals I've - Michael Fowler ever known." sition and it was only following a hard fought battle he was able to convince his colleagues a new direction was para- mount for the future of the ODA. This vic- tory paved the way for his being elected to the post of vice-president of the association. Friday marked the culmination of 15 years of working for the association as Dr. Cottrell assumed the post of President of the Ontario Dental Association in front of at back, son-in-law Tim. a convention hall of his family and staff. The position is a very demanding one. As the official spokesperson for the ODA he will be required to travel extensively throughout Ontario, as well as represent- lug the association at a variety of func- tions in other provinces and the U.S.A. In handing over the mantle of President to Dr. Cottrell, past-president Dr. Elizabeth MacSween said, "you bring unique qualification to this position that will be of invaiuable benefit to the O.D.A. I have seen you work tirelessly, and with enthusiasm that few could match." Dr. MacSween complimented Dr. Cottrell for having lead the way to devel- oping a new gover- peers, friends, H | Dr. Cottrell's Port Perry Dental Cc entre staff, left, Leslie, Cheryl, Judy, Terry, Michelle, Jennifer, Sharon and Shelley. nance system, saying, "we are proud of you." Longtime friend and squash partner Dr. John Stewart also speaks highly of Jack's accomplish- ments, and feels the town should be proud of his achievement as well. "The personal com- mitment is more than most people realize and the sacrifices in time both at the office and in his personal life are tremendous. Nothing can pay i ial Bas cP so ap Dr. Jack Cottrell with his family, from left, wife Patsy, children Justin, Jason, Kelly-Ann, John and you back for the disruption and sacrifices to your person- al career and family life," Dr. Stewart said. "I've known Jack for 22 years and when he focuses on a goal, no matter how tired he is, he always gives 110 per cent to something he feels strongly about. It doesn't matter if it's social, his work, politics or sports." Terry Fox, a member of Dr. Cottrell's staff who has been with the practice for 15 years, said the staff is firmly behind their boss. "He took the entire staff out for dinner and explained to them how his running for president would affect them in the office. In the end it was almost like a family decision for him to run for president," she said. Mrs. Fox said there is a defi- nite sense of pride among the staff and they understand through his efforts Dr. Cottrell 1s trying to make the profes- sion better. "We're excited and proud for him and there won't be anyone with more swollen chests than his staff when he becomes president," she said. And while Dr. Cottrell real- izes there may be some incon- venience for his patients, he's hoping they will understand. "My duties as president will remove me from the office one or two days a week, but many of the meetings and functions take place in the evenings or weekends so it won't adversely impact on my practice," he said. Dr. Cottrell is quick to praise his staff saying they are the unsung heroes who have kept his practice running smoothly Dr. Jack Cottrell, president Ontario Dental Assoc- iation with past-president Dr. Elizabeth MacSween. in spite of short notices and necessary changes in scheduling. He also gives praise to his family who have endured putting up with a father and husband who is constantly away or busy preparing for meetings. "They've been tremendously suppor- tive, although I realize being away a lot has been disruptive to the family," he said. When asked why he took on this time consuming and disruptive position at this point in his career, Dr. Cottrell said an opportunity like this only comes once in a lifetime and he feels he has someth- ing to contribute. "Dentistry has never been faced with more external or internal challenges than today. It's not unlike the problems the Ontario Medical Association has experienced the past few years," he said. He also is motivated to improve the future of the profession for generations to come, including his two older children, Kelly-Ann and John, who are both pursu- ing careers in dentistry. "I want to see they enjoy the same opportunities in the profession that I have enjoyed over the past 23 years," he said. What others say... © "He's probably one of the hardest working individuals I've every known, and always interested in working in the best interest of others. I'm not surprised to see him as head of his professional association - he's obviously qualified." "= Michael Fowler, Fowler, Kelly Law Office. ® "I'm never shocked at anything he accomplishes. There are very few people with his energy, enthusiasm and commitment. He's worked hard and has done a lot of things for people so this is a nice reward for his efforts." - Earl Cuddie, Administrator Township of Scugog. ® "This community has benefited greatly from his energy in the past, so for him to take this same energy and put it into his profession is not surprising. He always gave 100% during his term on council and the many other community activities he's taken part in. We should all be proud of his accomplishment." ® "Ever since Jack moved to Port Perry he's been very active in the community and has proven to be a great organizer. I think his achievement is not only a great honor for him, but a great honor for the community as well." - Mayor Howard Hall, Township of Scugog ® "Dr. Cottrell is a man with feet firmly planted on the ground, with boundless enthusiasm, incredibly good spirits and the ability to uncover the best in every situation. He believes there is a solution to every problem and and answer to eve- ry question, and will work tirelessly to find those solutions and answers." - Dr. Elizabeth MacSween, 1996 Ontario Dental Association President. -dJerry Taylor, D.J. Taylor Insurance.