Gordon R. McInally, a member of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, Lothian, Scotland, has been selected by the nominating committee to become president of Rotary International for 2023-24.

McInally lauded Rotary’s ability to adapt technologically during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the approach should continue and be combined with the best of our past practices as Rotary seeks to grow and increase engagement.

“We have learned there is a willingness within communities to care for one another,” he says, “and we must ensure that we encourage people who have recently embraced the concept of volunteering to join us to allow them to continue giving service.”

McInally says that senior leaders’ ability to communicate directly with club members online will be one positive legacy of the changes Rotary has had to make. But, he adds, “face-to-face meetings remain important, as they encourage greater interaction.”

McInally owned and operated his own dental practice in Edinburgh. He was chair of the East of Scotland branch of the British Paedodontic Society and has held various academic positions. He has also served as a Presbytery elder, chair of Queensferry Parish Congregational Board, and commissioner to the church’s general assembly.

A Rotary member since 1984, he has been president and vice president of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland. He also has served Rotary International as a director and as member or chair of several committees. He currently is an adviser to the 2022 Houston Convention Committee and chair of the Operations Review Committee.

McInally and his wife, Heather, are Major Donors and Benefactors of The Rotary Foundation. They are also members of the Bequest Society.

To learn more about McInally, read his interview and vision statement, which outline his goals for Rotary.