Operation Smile Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to providing life-changing surgical care, Operation Smile delivers free medical services to individuals born with cleft lip and cleft palate while fostering global health equity through sustainable surgical solutions.

Leadership Roles at Operation Smile

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

    Kathleen Magee, the Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer at Operation Smile, directs the overarching vision for global medical outreach. Magee architects the strategic framework for delivering free surgical care to patients born with cleft lip and cleft palate. By aligning medical teams with international health standards, the Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent quality across all surgical programs. Magee oversees the expansion of medical missions, driving significant impact across diverse global regions. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure long-term sustainability for the organization. Kathleen Magee maintains a focus on scaling surgical capacity to reach underserved populations. Through rigorous oversight of medical protocols, Magee guarantees that every patient receives safe, effective treatment. The Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer remains dedicated to the mission of transforming lives through accessible, high-quality surgical interventions in every corner of the globe.

    Shikha Shah - Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer

    Shikha Shah, the Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer at Operation Smile, manages the daily administrative functions supporting the executive leadership team. Shah coordinates internal communications and ensures that strategic initiatives align with the core mission of providing cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries. By streamlining operational workflows, the Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer facilitates efficient decision-making processes across the organization. Shikha Shah monitors the execution of key projects, ensuring that resources reach medical teams in the field effectively. This role involves bridging the gap between executive strategy and departmental implementation. Shah drives organizational transparency by maintaining clear reporting structures. Through meticulous management of executive priorities, the Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer supports the broader goal of expanding surgical access. Shah optimizes internal processes to ensure that the organization remains agile while addressing the complex needs of patients in diverse international markets.

    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 the internal systems that support the organization's medical service model. Magee architects the operational frameworks that allow for the seamless delivery of cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries. By focusing on the integration of advisory functions with executive strategy, the Chief Operating Officer & To The Advisor & Chief Executive Officer ensures that leadership decisions remain grounded in operational reality. Todd Magee oversees the alignment of resources with the specific needs of medical missions in various global regions. This role involves managing the intersection of administrative oversight and strategic planning to drive organizational success. Magee monitors the effectiveness of internal processes, ensuring that the organization maintains its commitment to providing free surgical care. Through the coordination of executive advisory efforts, the Chief Operating Officer & To The Advisor & Chief Executive Officer supports the long-term sustainability of the organization's humanitarian mission.

    James Siti - Chief Operating Officer

    James Siti, the Chief Operating Officer at Operation Smile, directs the logistical infrastructure required to execute complex medical missions. Siti architects the supply chain strategies that deliver essential surgical equipment to regions where cleft lip and cleft palate care remains scarce. By optimizing operational efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that medical teams possess the necessary tools to perform life-changing surgeries. James Siti oversees the integration of global logistics, driving improvements in mission readiness and patient throughput. This leadership role involves managing the technical aspects of medical service delivery to maximize the reach of the organization. Siti monitors performance metrics to ensure that operational goals align with the broader mission of providing free surgical care. Through the coordination of international resources, the Chief Operating Officer secures the stability of medical programs. James Siti maintains a focus on scaling operational capacity to meet the growing demand for surgical services in underserved communities worldwide.

    Ashley Obodo - Chapter President

    Ashley Obodo, the Chapter President at Operation Smile, directs the local engagement and fundraising initiatives that support the organization's global mission. Obodo architects community-based programs that raise awareness for cleft lip and cleft palate conditions. By mobilizing volunteers and supporters, the Chapter President ensures that local efforts contribute directly to the funding of free surgical procedures. Ashley Obodo oversees the development of regional outreach strategies, driving participation in advocacy campaigns. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with local institutions to expand the reach of the organization. Obodo monitors the success of chapter activities, ensuring that all initiatives align with the core values of the non-profit. Through the management of local operations, the Chapter President secures the resources necessary to support international medical missions. Ashley Obodo maintains a focus on building a sustainable network of supporters who are dedicated to the mission of providing life-changing surgical care to those in need.

    Chelsea D'Abreo - Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill

    Chelsea D'Abreo, the Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill at Operation Smile, directs the student-led initiatives that promote the organization's mission within the academic community. D'Abreo architects educational programs that highlight the importance of cleft lip and cleft palate care. By organizing fundraising events and awareness campaigns, the Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill ensures that the student body remains actively involved in supporting global surgical missions. Chelsea D'Abreo oversees the recruitment and training of volunteers, driving the growth of the local chapter. This leadership role involves coordinating with university administration to facilitate impactful service projects. D'Abreo monitors the effectiveness of chapter outreach, ensuring that all activities support the broader goal of providing free medical services. Through the management of student engagement, the Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill fosters a culture of service and advocacy. Chelsea D'Abreo maintains a focus on expanding the impact of the organization by cultivating the next generation of humanitarian leaders.

    Ruby Franck - Co-President Lehigh Chapter

    Ruby Franck, the Co-President Lehigh Chapter at Operation Smile, directs the collaborative efforts of the student chapter to support the organization's medical outreach. Franck architects fundraising strategies that generate essential support for cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries. By managing the chapter's operational activities, the Co-President Lehigh Chapter ensures that all initiatives contribute to the global mission of providing free surgical care. Ruby Franck oversees the coordination of volunteer events, driving community engagement and awareness. This leadership role involves working closely with other student leaders to implement effective advocacy programs. Franck monitors the progress of chapter goals, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently to maximize impact. Through the management of local partnerships, the Co-President Lehigh Chapter fosters a strong network of supporters. Ruby Franck maintains a focus on promoting the organization's values within the academic environment, ensuring that the chapter remains a vital contributor to the mission of transforming lives through surgery.

    Madeline McClernon - Club President

    Madeline McClernon, the Club President at Operation Smile, directs the local activities that support the organization's mission of providing cleft lip and cleft palate surgery. McClernon architects community engagement plans that raise awareness and funds for medical missions. By overseeing the club's operations, the Club President ensures that all efforts align with the organization's commitment to free surgical care. Madeline McClernon manages the recruitment of members, driving participation in advocacy and service projects. This leadership role involves coordinating with local stakeholders to expand the reach of the club's initiatives. McClernon monitors the success of fundraising campaigns, ensuring that resources are directed toward the most critical needs. Through the management of club activities, the Club President fosters a dedicated community of supporters. Madeline McClernon maintains a focus on promoting the organization's humanitarian goals, ensuring that the club remains an effective contributor to the mission of providing life-changing surgical interventions to those in need.

    Sarah Soto - Founder and President Rutgers Chapter

    Sarah Soto, the Founder and President Rutgers Chapter at Operation Smile, directs the establishment and growth of the local chapter to support the organization's global mission. Soto architects the foundational strategies that enable the chapter to raise awareness and funds for cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries. By managing the chapter's initial operations, the Founder and President Rutgers Chapter ensures that all activities align with the organization's commitment to providing free surgical care. Sarah Soto oversees the development of volunteer programs, driving community involvement and advocacy. This leadership role involves building partnerships with local organizations to expand the chapter's impact. Soto monitors the effectiveness of outreach efforts, ensuring that resources are utilized to support international medical missions. Through the management of chapter development, the Founder and President Rutgers Chapter fosters a culture of service. Sarah Soto maintains a focus on building a sustainable foundation for the chapter, ensuring long-term support for the organization's humanitarian goals.

    Melissa DiBona - Chief of Staff

    Melissa DiBona, the Chief of Staff at Operation Smile, manages the strategic alignment of executive priorities and organizational objectives. DiBona facilitates communication between the C-suite and various departments to ensure that the mission of providing cleft lip and cleft palate surgery remains the primary focus. By overseeing high-level projects, the Chief of Staff drives the implementation of initiatives that enhance the efficiency of medical service delivery. Melissa DiBona coordinates cross-functional teams to address complex operational challenges. This role involves managing the flow of information to the executive leadership, ensuring that data-driven decisions support the organization's growth. DiBona monitors the progress of key strategic goals, providing the necessary support to keep projects on schedule. Through the management of executive workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures that the organization remains focused on its humanitarian impact. Melissa DiBona optimizes internal collaboration to support the delivery of free surgical care to patients in need.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Operation Smile Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Operation Smile?
    Operation Smile is led by Kathleen Magee (Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Shikha Shah (Office of the President and 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 Kathleen Magee (Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer), Shikha Shah (Office of the President and 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 Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer, Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer & To The Advisor & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chapter President.