Academy of General Dentistry Remembers Hal Donnell

     The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is saddened by the passing of Harold (Hal) E. Donnell, Jr., CAE, CMP, the organization’s longtime executive director who retired in 2003 after 30 years with the association. Hal died at his home in Fountain Hill, Arizona on July 23.

     Donnell accepted the position to serve as executive director of AGD in 1974 when the association only had about 11,000 members, a staff of nine and a budget of $565,000. Under his guidance, the organization grew into a 37,000-member association with a staff of 80 and a budget of $11.3 million.

     During his tenure of service and dedication to AGD, Donnell received many awards, including William Thomas Green Morton National Award for the Advancement of General Dentistry laureate, Thaddeus Weclew Award, Albert Borish Award and recognition as an honorary member of AGD in 1982 for his leadership in improving continuing dental education. He also received an honorary Fellowship in 1993 for his contributions to the art and science of dentistry, and for enhancing AGD principles and ideals.