Operation Smile Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Operation Smile has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and chapter development.

Driven by a commitment to global health equity, Operation Smile delivers free surgical care to children and adults with cleft conditions, fostering transformative change through dedicated leadership and community engagement.

Leadership Roles at Operation Smile

  • Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer - Shikha Shah
  • Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer - Kathleen Magee
  • Chief Operating Officer & To The Advisor & Chief Executive Officer - Todd Magee
  • Chief Operating Officer - James Siti
  • Club President - Madeline McClernon
  • Co-Founder & Co-President - Reagan Heller
  • Co-President Lehigh Chapter - Ruby Franck
  • Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill - Chelsea D'Abreo
  • President, Project Hope Chapter - Anjana Kommana
  • Chief of Staff - Melissa DiBona
  • Shikha Shah - Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer

    Shikha Shah, the Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer at Operation Smile, directs the organization's overarching strategic vision and operational execution. This leadership role involves guiding the non-profit's mission to provide free surgical care for individuals with cleft lip and palate conditions worldwide. Shah oversees the integration of global initiatives and ensures alignment with the core values of delivering essential medical services where they are most needed. The executive's focus extends to fostering partnerships and resource development critical for expanding the reach of Operation Smile's life-changing procedures. By championing innovation in service delivery, Shikha Shah drives the organization's capacity to impact more lives annually, solidifying its position as a leader in global medical humanitarianism. This executive's purview encompasses all facets of the organization's global operations and strategic planning.

    Kathleen Magee - Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Kathleen Magee, Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer at Operation Smile, spearheads the organization's global mission and strategic direction. As a co-founder, Magee brings decades of experience in medical humanitarianism, driving the delivery of free surgical care to children and adults with cleft conditions. This leadership position involves overseeing all international programs, ensuring the highest standards of medical care and operational efficiency across diverse geographic regions. Magee's role is central to cultivating relationships with medical professionals, volunteers, and partner organizations essential for expanding the organization's impact. The executive's dedication fuels the continuous pursuit of solutions that bring life-changing surgeries to underserved populations. Through strategic leadership, Kathleen Magee ensures Operation Smile remains at the forefront of addressing critical global health needs, transforming lives one surgery at a time.

    Todd Magee - Chief Operating Officer & To The Advisor & Chief Executive Officer

    Todd Magee, the Chief Operating Officer & To The Advisor & Chief Executive Officer at Operation Smile, directs critical operational functions and provides strategic counsel to the CEO. This multifaceted role involves overseeing the logistical and administrative infrastructure that supports the organization's global delivery of free surgical care for cleft conditions. Magee's purview includes enhancing the efficiency of medical missions and ensuring compliance with international standards. The executive's advisory capacity supports high-level decision-making, guiding the organization's strategic growth and operational effectiveness. By managing complex operational demands and contributing to strategic planning, Todd Magee ensures Operation Smile can expand its reach and impact more lives. This leadership is essential for maintaining the organization's commitment to providing life-changing surgeries to those in need across the globe.

    James Siti - Chief Operating Officer

    James Siti, the Chief Operating Officer at Operation Smile, manages the day-to-day operational framework that supports the organization's global surgical missions. This executive role involves optimizing resource allocation, streamlining logistical processes, and ensuring the efficient execution of programs across various countries. Siti's responsibilities include enhancing the operational capacity to deliver free surgeries for individuals born with cleft lip and palate conditions. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with international teams to implement best practices in medical service delivery and program management. By focusing on operational excellence, James Siti directly contributes to the organization's ability to reach more patients and maximize its impact. This leadership ensures that the complex logistics of global medical outreach function seamlessly, enabling the core mission of transforming lives through surgery.

    Madeline McClernon - Club President

    Madeline McClernon, the Club President at Operation Smile, leads local chapter initiatives focused on raising awareness and supporting the organization's global mission. This role involves mobilizing student volunteers and community members to contribute to the cause of providing free surgical care for individuals with cleft lip and palate conditions. McClernon's responsibilities include organizing fundraising events, coordinating educational outreach programs, and fostering a strong sense of community engagement. The Club President works to ensure that local chapter activities directly support the broader objectives of Operation Smile. By driving volunteer efforts and promoting the organization's impact, Madeline McClernon plays a key part in expanding the reach of life-changing surgeries. This leadership energizes grassroots support crucial for the non-profit's sustained success.

    Reagan Heller - Co-Founder & Co-President

    Reagan Heller, Co-Founder & Co-President at Operation Smile, contributes to the strategic leadership and foundational vision of the organization. This role involves guiding the efforts of local chapters and fostering a network of engaged volunteers dedicated to the mission of providing free surgical care. Heller's responsibilities include supporting initiatives that raise awareness and funds for children and adults born with cleft conditions. The Co-President works to ensure that chapter activities align with the overarching goals of Operation Smile, maximizing their collective impact. By championing the organization's values and driving volunteer participation, Reagan Heller plays a vital role in expanding access to life-changing surgeries. This leadership cultivates a strong community base essential for the non-profit's ongoing humanitarian work.

    Ruby Franck - Co-President Lehigh Chapter

    Ruby Franck, the Co-President Lehigh Chapter at Operation Smile, leads local chapter operations and drives engagement within the Lehigh community. This executive position focuses on mobilizing volunteers and resources to support the organization's global mission of delivering free surgical care to those with cleft lip and palate conditions. Franck's duties include organizing fundraising events, coordinating awareness campaigns, and fostering partnerships within the local area. The Co-President works to ensure the chapter's activities effectively contribute to the broader objectives of Operation Smile. By leading local efforts and promoting the organization's impact, Ruby Franck plays a crucial role in expanding the reach of life-changing surgeries. This leadership energizes grassroots support vital for the non-profit's sustained humanitarian efforts.

    Chelsea D'Abreo - Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill

    Chelsea D'Abreo, the Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill at Operation Smile, directs the activities and strategic direction of the university chapter. This leadership role involves galvanizing student volunteers and community support for the organization's mission to provide free surgical care to individuals with cleft conditions. D'Abreo's responsibilities include overseeing fundraising initiatives, implementing awareness programs, and managing chapter operations to maximize impact. The Senior President works to ensure the UNC Chapel Hill chapter's efforts align with the global objectives of Operation Smile. By driving engagement and promoting the organization's life-changing work, Chelsea D'Abreo plays a significant part in expanding access to critical medical services. This leadership fosters a dedicated volunteer base essential for the non-profit's continued success.

    Anjana Kommana - President, Project Hope Chapter

    Anjana Kommana, the President, Project Hope Chapter at Operation Smile, leads the chapter's efforts in advancing the organization's global mission. This executive role focuses on mobilizing volunteers and resources to support the delivery of free surgical care for children and adults with cleft lip and palate conditions. Kommana's responsibilities include spearheading fundraising campaigns, developing outreach strategies, and ensuring the chapter's activities contribute effectively to Operation Smile's worldwide impact. The President works to foster a strong sense of purpose among chapter members, driving their commitment to transforming lives. By leading local initiatives and promoting the organization's vital work, Anjana Kommana plays a key role in expanding access to life-changing surgeries. This leadership cultivates essential grassroots support for the non-profit's humanitarian endeavors.

    Melissa DiBona - Chief of Staff

    Melissa DiBona, the Chief of Staff at Operation Smile, provides critical support to the executive leadership team, ensuring strategic initiatives are effectively implemented. This role involves coordinating cross-functional projects, managing key communications, and facilitating the seamless operation of the Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer. DiBona's responsibilities extend to enhancing organizational efficiency and supporting the strategic planning process for delivering free surgical care globally. The Chief of Staff plays a pivotal part in aligning departmental efforts with the overarching mission of treating children and adults with cleft conditions. By driving operational effectiveness and strategic alignment, Melissa DiBona ensures that Operation Smile can maximize its impact and continue its vital work in communities worldwide. This executive's function is integral to the organization's sustained success and global reach.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Operation Smile Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Operation Smile?
    Operation Smile is led by Shikha Shah (Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kathleen Magee (Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer) and Todd Magee (Chief Operating Officer & To The Advisor & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Operation Smile’s executive team?
    The executive team of Operation Smile includes leaders such as Shikha Shah (Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer), Kathleen Magee (Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer), Todd Magee (Chief Operating Officer & To The Advisor & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Operation Smile have?
    Operation Smile has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Operation Smile’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Operation Smile includes roles such as Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer, Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer & To The Advisor & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Club President.