Michael Potter, former CEO of Ottawa-based software services company Cognos, received a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, today at Carleton University’s Spring Convocation in recognition of his outstanding commitment to philanthropic endeavors and contribution to the high-technology industry in the National Capital Region.
Potter was introduced by Rafik Goubran, dean of Engineering and Design at Carleton.
“Through business leadership, philanthropy and involvement in the community, he has made an incredible impact on Ottawa,” said Goubran.
After working as a naval officer and federal public servant in Ottawa, Potter was involved in the establishment of Cognos. Under his leadership, Cognos embarked on a path of rapid international growth, became a publicly-traded firm, and emerged as the largest company in its sector in Canada with annual revenues over $1 billion. He led Cognos as its chief executive officer from its inception until 1995. Today, as a division of IBM, the organization remains an important component of the software technology sector in Canada.
“I’m not, by nature, a guy who feels qualified to tell others how to live their lives,” Potter said during his address to the graduating class. “The truth is, although things worked out better than I could ever have imagined, my life has been full of crazy mistakes and outrageous risks.”
“For me it was worth the risks and I would do it again,” he continued while recounting some of the rough patches Cognos faced on its upward trajectory. “And most importantly, I learned from it.”
Since his retirement from active business, Potter has devoted his time to a number of philanthropic causes, most significantly the creation of Vintage Wings of Canada, a charitable foundation engaged in the restoration, preservation and display of historic aircraft for the purpose of educating and inspiring young Canadians. Potter was named Ottawa Philanthropist of the Year in 2009.
-30-
For more information:
Chris Cline
Media Relations Co-ordinator
Carleton University
613-520-2600, ext. 1391
613-355-0336
christopher_cline@carleton.ca
Thursday, June 13, 2013 in News Releases
Share: Twitter, Facebook
