Eric Poliak Award

Malcolm Macdonald

Malcolm joined the American Society of São Paulo in February 2017 and quickly became involved, joining the Board in May 2017 as the Campinas Chapter Chair. In 2019, he was nominated and elected Vice President of AmSoc, a role he held for two years, including a period as Acting President during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

During the pandemic, with in-person events paused and finances under pressure, Malcolm helped lead critical efforts to streamline AmSoc’s operations. He invested time and resources into implementing new technologies to support membership renewals, event ticketing, and communication platforms — changes that minimized staffing costs, modernized administration, and strengthened financial management. These improvements not only helped sustain AmSoc through the pandemic but also positioned the Society to thrive afterward, enabling a strong return to full-scale events and generating healthy surpluses.

Throughout this period and beyond, Malcolm’s commitment to AmSoc’s success was evident, from co-founding the Campinas Chapter and expanding the Society’s reach, to donating computer equipment and IT services whenever needed to ensure the Society’s continued growth.
 

For almost a decade, Malcolm has been an indispensable part of AmSoc. Although not American by birth, his contributions perfectly reflect the American tradition of volunteerism and service to others — a spirit that AmSoc fosters and celebrates.
 

Malcolm's impact extends to almost every corner of AmSoc’s operations. On October 16, 2019, he founded — and to this day helps moderate — the AmSoc Members’ WhatsApp group, which has grown to 255 members. This group has become an extraordinary resource, offering a wealth of local information and serving as a vital support network by AmSoc’s members for AmSoc’s members.
 

He also designed and maintains the AmSoc website, as well as the membership and event ticketing systems, and has played a role in the revamp of AmSoc’s online communication platforms. His work behind the scenes has connected members, strengthened events, and created efficiencies that have allowed AmSoc to invest even more into community and charity work.
 

But beyond his technical expertise, it is Malcolm’s passion for community-building that truly defines his legacy. He has been a consistent and generous supporter of AmSoc’s member initiatives, always placing the needs of the wider community first. This commitment has helped AmSoc evolve and thrive, ensuring that it continues to be a place where people from all backgrounds feel welcomed and inspired to serve.
 

Receiving the 2024 Eric Poliak Award, Malcolm becomes the first non-American to be recognized since the award’s eligibility expanded to reflect the Society’s increasingly international membership. His example shows that the true measure of community service is not nationality, but heart, dedication, and a willingness to work for the greater good.
 

It is with this appreciation that we honor Malcolm Macdonald for his extraordinary service to the American Society and the São Paulo community.