Gordon McInally of Scotland Assumes Presidency of Rotary International, Prioritizing Mental Health on 1 July

Second Scot to lead the membership service organization will focus on mental health

EVANSTON, Ill., USA (1 July 2023) — Gordon McInally, a prominent member of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, Lothian, Scotland, will commence his one-year term as the president of Rotary International on 1 July 2023.

With a resolute vision for the future, McInally will dedicate his presidency to steering the global membership service organization with a significant focus on mental health. Recognizing the crucial role mental health plays in community well-being worldwide, McInally aims to foster a culture that understands and supports mental health while working towards reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and improving access to mental health services. Rotary International, with its vast network of 1.4 million members across 200 countries and regions, will actively address mental health as part of its ongoing commitment to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.

“Mental health has often been a less talked-about aspect of wellness. However, in a world grappling with various challenges, it is imperative that we bring mental health to the forefront. Rotary, with its widespread network, has the capacity to foster dialogue and support,” stated McInally. “By emphasizing mental health, we can make a considerable difference in communities around the world. This is about nurturing humanity for a better tomorrow.”

Rotary members, including those from nearly 200 Rotary clubs in Scotland and worldwide, are renowned for their efforts in developing and implementing sustainable, community-driven projects. These initiatives encompass fighting diseases, promoting peace, providing clean water, supporting education, saving mothers and children, stimulating local economies, and protecting the environment. Over the past century, The Rotary Foundation, Rotary’s charitable arm that facilitates collaborative service, has granted over US$5.5 billion to support these life-changing endeavors.

As the head of Rotary’s global network of 46,000 clubs, McInally will also oversee Rotary’s foremost goal of eradicating polio. Alongside its Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners, Rotary has achieved a remarkable 99.9% reduction in polio cases, contributing over US$2.6 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children from this paralyzing disease.

Gordon McInally brings a wealth of experience to his new role as the president of Rotary International. He is a distinguished graduate of dental surgery from the University of Dundee and has previously owned and operated his own dental practice in Edinburgh. McInally’s dedication to charitable causes extends beyond Rotary, as he has served as the chair of the East of Scotland branch of the British Paedodontic Society and acted as an ambassador for Bipolar UK. Furthermore, he is a patron of the UK-based nonprofit organization Hope and Homes for Children.

Having been a member of Rotary since 1984, McInally has held significant leadership positions within the organization, including president and vice president of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland. His commitment to Rotary’s philanthropic endeavors is further exemplified by his and his wife Heather’s status as Major Donors and Benefactors of The Rotary Foundation. Additionally, they are esteemed members of the Bequest Society.

About Rotary:

Rotary is a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to addressing the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. With over 1.4 million members across almost every country, Rotary operates through more than 46,000 Rotary clubs. Their work spans from helping families in need within their own communities to working towards a polio-free world, making a positive impact on lives at both the local and international levels.