Volume 8 • 2021 • Issue 1

Mr. Joel Neal: Chief Executive Officer Dr. Aaron Burry: Deputy CEO—Professional Affairs Canadian Dental Association Appointments T he Canadian Dental Association Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Joel Neal to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), effective November 28, 2020. Since June 2020, Mr. Neal has served as Interim Executive Director during a period of transition and uncertainty resulting from the pandemic. Prior to that, he was Chief Financial Officer of CDA serving as the Association’s chief administrative and financial officer. Mr. Neal has served the Association for over 34 years and his dedication to CDA has been instrumental in CDA’s ongoing success. Mr. Neal’s wealth of experience and knowledge of all facets of CDA’s operations will contribute significantly to CDA’s ongoing commitment to support our Corporate Member Provincial Dental Associations during a period of significant transition for organized dentistry. Please join the CDA Board of Directors in congratulating Mr. Joel Neal on his appointment to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Dental Association. D r. Aaron Burry was appointed Deputy CEO—Professional Affairs of the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), effective December 1, 2020. In his new role, Dr. Burry will oversee CDA’s involvement in advocating for dentistry, the development of public policy at the national level and the promotion of excellence in dentistry and dental care. “In the 3 years Aaron has been at CDA, as Associate Director—Professional Affairs, he has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a broad understanding of the issues impacting dentistry in Canada and the oral health of Canadians,” says Mr. Joel Neal, CDA Chief Executive Officer. “In 2020, Aaron was instrumental in orchestrating CDA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as the head of CDA’s COVID-19 response team which became the go-to source for information related to the pandemic and actively supported CDA’s Corporate Members.” Prior to coming to CDA, Dr. Burry spent 25 years in senior management positions in the municipal and health care sectors leading complex organizations. He has extensive experience working with, as well as within, all three levels of government. Dr. Burry plans to continue to practise one day a week so he can experience the challenges dentists are facing and maintain an appreciation for the support dentists need. 12 | 2021 | Issue 1