On June 16, 2017, the latest recipients of the Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Forty Under 40 award will be honoured. Among the winners is Gordon Cudney - a partner in Gowling WLG's Ottawa office.
As a member of the firm's Corporate Commercial Group, Cudney advises clients on matters related to mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, secured transactions, and business succession planning.
With one of the largest business law practices in the firm's Ottawa office, Cudney has an extensive and diverse local, national and international client base, and has managed a number of transactions that have directly contributed to the economic growth of the Ottawa region.
Over the last five years, his practice has grown exponentially, putting him among Gowling WLG's top Ottawa partners. Yet, Cudney's success in the business community does not overshadow the volunteer work he does for local charitable causes.
"Although Gord spends his days serving as a trusted legal adviser to many Ottawa companies, his reach into the local business and charitable community goes much further than that," said Wayne Warren, Ottawa managing partner at Gowling WLG. "Gord's tireless volunteer efforts in support of essential initiatives across the city speak to his outstanding dedication to improving the community in which he lives and works."
Cudney is currently vice-chair of the Board of the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health ― a foundation that raises, manages and disburses funds to help the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group provide high-quality patient care for those in Eastern Ontario who suffer from mental illness.
Whether he's emceeing and co-chairing the foundation's annual charity golf tournament (which raised a whopping $210,000 this year), acting as a table captain at the Annual Leaders for Mental Health Breakfast or soliciting major donations from the community, Cudney has been instrumental in helping the charity reach its fundraising goals - including its successful $25 million Campaign for Mental Health, for which he secured a $1 million donation.
Cudney knows the importance of raising awareness and funds for mental health as, in the past, he has been candid about his own struggles with depression and anxiety. He continues to champion the cause and promote the destigmatization of mental illness through the open and honest telling of his personal story.
The Forty Under 40 award is one of Ottawa's most sought-after and distinguished business awards and celebrates entrepreneurs under the age of 40 who are both highly successful in their careers and committed to developing Ottawa's business community. The 2017 awards will be presented at a gala at the Hilton Lac-Leamy on the evening of June 16. Recipients are also showcased in the special June 2017 edition of the Ottawa Business Journal.
Cudney's win continues Gowling WLG's winning streak for professionals receiving the Forty Under 40 award, including 2016 recipient James Baker, 2015 recipient Michael Crichton and 2014 recipient Karen Hennessey.