Since 1957, the Ottawa New Car Dealers Association has benefited from the leadership, commitment, and volunteer service of dealership representatives who have helped guide the Association through decades of growth and change. The fact that ONCDA continues to serve Ottawa’s automotive community more than 75 years later is a testament to the many volunteers who have contributed their time, expertise, and leadership in service of the Association and its members.
A Legacy of Volunteer Leadership
ONCDA’s success has always depended on the willingness of members to step forward, share their expertise, and contribute to the future of the Association. For more than 75 years, dealership leaders have volunteered their time and leadership in support of the Association and the automotive community it serves.
Honouring Past Presidents
The individuals listed below have served as President of the Ottawa New Car Dealers Association and played an important role in guiding the Association through periods of growth, change, and opportunity. Their leadership has helped strengthen the dealer community and ensure ONCDA remains a valued resource for its members.
Presidents Since 1990
| 2020s & 2010s | 2000s & 1990s |
| Sean Gibson (2022-Present) | Lawrence Allen (1999) |
| Vik Dilawri (2017-20201) | Christopher Davies (1998) |
| Greg Stewart (2008-2016) | Alan Hollingsworth (1997) |
| Paul Giacomin (2005-2007) | Paul Belisle (1996) |
| Jason Keay (2004) | Maureen Donnelly (1995) |
| Dan McKenna (2003) | Mary Dashney (1994) |
| Michael McGurn (2002) | John May (1993) |
| Les Bell (2001) | Michael Davies (1992) |
| Pawan Dilawri (2000) | Gordon Hoddinott (1991) |
Presidents 1962-1990
| 1980s | 1970s |
| Tom Donnelly (1990) | Don Mann (1973) |
| Gregg Thomson (1989) | R. W. Surgenor (1972) |
| John Harcourt (1988) | Adrian Cyr (1971) |
| Jim Pears (1987) | J.R. MacKenzie (1970) |
| Al McDowell (1986) | J. Fern Turpin (1969) |
| Joe Pruner (1985) | Jim Tubman (1968) |
| Pat McGurn (1984) | G.M. Campbell (1967) |
| D. Donnelly (1983) | Conrad Belisle (1966) |
| H.S. Mews (1982) | Cecil Gunn (1965) |
| D. Davies (1981) | J.B. Brown (1964) |
| D. McCurdy (1980) | L.E. Condie (1962-1963) |
Presidents 1950-1961
- D.N McDonald ((1961)
- Neil McDonald (1960)
- Cecil Connelly (1958-1959)
- G.M. Campbell (1957)
- M. Campbell (1956)
- W. Lewis (1955)
- R. Moore (1954)
- F. Patterson (1953)
- E. H. Cabeldu (1952)
- Manson Campbell (1951)
- E.C. Miller (1950)
Preserving ONCDA’s History
Leadership records maintained by the Association date back to 1950, several years before the organization’s incorporation in 1957 as the Franchised Automobile Dealers Association of Ottawa Inc. Historical records indicate the Association previously operated as the Automobile Dealers Association of Ottawa, demonstrating a long tradition of dealer collaboration that predates formal incorporation. The continuity of these records reflects generations of volunteers who recognized the value of working together to strengthen Ottawa’s automotive community.
Key Milestones
While the individuals above helped guide the Association through decades of change, ONCDA’s roots extend even further and reflect a long tradition of collaboration among Ottawa-area automobile dealers.
1950
Earliest known ONCDA leadership records, demonstrating organized dealer collaboration in the Ottawa market.
1957
The Association was formally incorporated as the Franchised Automobile Dealers Association of Ottawa Inc., continuing the work previously carried out by the Automobile Dealers Association of Ottawa.
Today
The Ottawa New Car Dealers Association (ONCDA) continues to serve Ottawa’s automotive community through dealer collaboration, workforce development initiatives, industry partnerships, and member engagement, building on a legacy of volunteer leadership that now spans more than 75 years.
While some historical records are incomplete, ONCDA remains committed to preserving and recognizing the contributions of the volunteers whose leadership helped shape the Association over the decades.
Interested in exploring ONCDA’s broader leadership history? A more detailed historical record of ONCDA leadership, including Vice-Presidents, Directors, and organizational notes, is available below.