AFC Chairman recognised with RGU honorary award

Dave grew up in Garthdee, Aberdeen and after attending Inchgarth Primary and Harlaw Academy he gained an HNC in Accounting at Aberdeen College of Commerce, before embarking on a career in Software in 1982.

Since that journey began, Dave has founded several successful software companies including London-based Soft Systems and in the United States both Miracle Workers and Brightree, generating over $1 billion in shareholder value. In 2018, Dave became Chairman of Curve Dental Software and he has been instrumental in growing the company ten-fold since its formation.

He is primarily based in Atlanta in the United States of America, but both Dave and his family support good causes in Aberdeen. In 2020, the Cormack Family Foundation donated £100,000 to RGU to establish the Cormack Family Scholarship Programme focusing on widening access to higher education.

Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Dave is a successful entrepreneur who has made a significant contribution to both industry and the city where he grew up.

“His philanthropy continues to make a positive difference to the lives of many young people in Aberdeen and further afield. Dave is also a key figure in the sporting life of the city as he continues to play a key role in leading Aberdeen Football Club, including the recent appointment of new manager Jimmy Thelin.”

Dave was interim CEO of Aberdeen FC between 2000 and 2001 and returned as an investor and board member in 2017. Two years later he became Chairman of the club, where he oversaw the major project development of the £15 million Cormack Park. Officially opened by former Aberdeen FC manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the football training centre provides a base for both the men’s and women’s professional teams and is also home to the Bobby Clark Youth Football Academy and AFC Community Trust (AFCCT) programmes.

The Cormack Family Foundation, founded by Dave and his wife Fiona, primarily focuses on supporting young people and has generously helped several charities including AFCCT, Clan Cancer Support and Maggie’s Centre. Internationally the Foundation supported the establishment of The Cormack Family Community and Youth Centre in Cartagena, Colombia, supporting 12,000 children through Children International.

Dave’s wife Fiona, sister-in-law and nephew are all graduates of RGU. He was recognised with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) award at P&J Live, Aberdeen, on Friday 05 July.