The Executive Committee: Directions for the next century D etermined to have our house in good order in time for the ICD Centennial observance, the College Executive Committee (EC) and College Office have more than a few major projects underway. Working together, the EC and the Constitution and Bylaws Com- mittee are reviewing and modernizing College Bylaws. Similarly, College policies have been revisited and updat- ed. In addition, advances are underway to determine the role of the next Secretary General and how the College Office of the future will be organized. These matters take time but have long-term effects. The College has been advanced by a record perfor- mance from its Executive Committee. After a face-to-face meeting in San Francisco in February 2018, the EC video conferenced nearly every month of last year. With assign- ments in between the conferences, the impressive body of work accomplished by the EC is documented in the minutes of its meetings. The overall theme has been one of charting the course of the future College governance and administration as we approach the ICD Centennial. In addition, the business and professional affairs of the Col- lege continue to increase in complexity and require more help to keep up with day-to-day developments and tasks. International Past President Clive Ross challenged the EC with an ambitious agenda last year, and the commit- tee responded with dedication. College Leadership Initiatives A Week Like No Other Ongoing efforts in recent years have advanced the recog- nition and influence of the International College of Dentists in the world’s dental community. During the span of a few days in September 2018, a confluence of events highlight- ed ICD’s growing international impact. Rome, Italy: College Editor and Centennial Chairman Dov Sydney, together with Councilor Mauro LaBanca and ICD delegates from Italy, used their delegated time with pope Francis to inform him about ICD, the work we do through- out the world, and our Centennial in 2020. This goodwill and promotion initiative was well received by the pope and reported widely in the dental press. New York, New York: While the United Nations General Assembly was meeting in New York, ICD participated in high-level discussions amongst international stakeholders, who are working to push for more attention to oral health in the development of the UN’s “Political Declarations” cov- ering public health policy. Attending were officers of large dental associations, non-governmental organizations, uni- versities, and the dental industry. As ICD Secretary Gen- eral, I represented the College and was asked to speak. ICD is seen as having potential to influence dental public health policy through our international reach and humani- tarian programs in developing countries Xian, China: ICD International Past President Clive Ross was a featured speaker during a major Belt and Road conference sponsored by the government and academic community of China. Belt and Road refers to the economic development program initiated by China President Xi to assist nations in Asia. Dr. Ross was asked to introduce ICD and report on programs we conduct that reflect the same spirit of internationalism and reaching out. This was a perfect opportunity for Dr. Ross to highlight ICD humani- tarian and educational efforts around the world. Councilor Kim Chuan How also participated and was influential in arranging this opportunity. 2018 PRESIDENT Clive Ross addresses Councilors. THE COUNCIL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF DENTISTS 8 Jack Hinterman Secretary General