Event Reports

2010 LEADERSHIP INSTALLED
AT ROOSEVELT HOTEL
                                                                                    

CROWD-PLEASING NEW FORMAT FOR INSTALLATION OF 2010 OFFICERS

This year’s installation ceremonies held on January 2st ushered in the Society’s newest officers , as well as a new paradigm in celebration.   Held at the beautiful and historic Roosevelt Hotel, the installation ceremony was a standing-room-only event held in separate room at the start of the evening. The focus was solely on the induction of the Society’s 2010 officers:  President Edward J. Miller, Jr.; President Elect Patricia Sukmonowski; Vice President Jeffrey S. Senzer; Secretary P. Deborah Weisfuse and Treasurer James J. Doundoulakis.    Dr. G. Kirk Gleason, NYSDA past president and executive director of the Fourth District Dental Society, installed the officers.   At the start of his acceptance speech, Dr. Miller asked for a moment of silence for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. He went on to take stock of the Society and where it is today – stable in an economic environment that is not stable – and where it will be in the future.  Dr. Miller announced that the Board approved a membership survey will be conducted, the results of which will be utilized by a reconstituted Future Focus Committee. The committee will create a strategic “member road map” through 2015.

Outgoing president Michael G. Arvystas installed the Eastern Branch officers:   President Emily Y. Ro; President Elect Shawn Salehezadeh; Vice President Brett King and Secretary/Treasurer Charlotte Kooistra.  In his closing remarks, Dr. Arvystas  noted that he “leaves  the New York County Dental Society in good hands with the excellent leadership of Edward Miller, the Executive Committee and our Board of Directors.”  Immediately following the ceremonies, members and guests socialized over cocktails and hors ‘duerves , followed by a sumptuous reception-style dinner. The informal setting allowed for optimal socializing and networking.  The official passing of the gavel to Dr. Miller and the plaque honoring Dr. Arvystas for his work as president, were exchanged during the dinner reception. The new format was a welcome change and highly popular with attendees.  A record number of e-mails and phone calls were received by Executive Director Ellen Gerber the following day, praising the leadership for the changes.

 NYCDS Corporate Friends National Employee Benefit Companies, Inc. (NEBCO) and NYU Imaging,  as well as, the Professional Protector Plan for Dentists and TD Bank generously supported the event.

Special guests included:  NYSDA President Michael R. Breault; NYSDA President Elect Robert Doherty;  NYSDA Executive Director Mark J. Feldman; NYSDA Vice President  Chad Gehani; ADA Trustee William Calnon; Incoming ADA Trustee Steven Gournardes, NYSDA Speaker of the House Robert Peskin, GNYDM Executive Chair John Halikias.   Second District President Deborah Pasquale attended along with Second District Executive Director Bernard Hackett, Immediate Past President Richard Oshrain and President Elect Stuart Segelnick and Nassau County President Michael Shreck.