Operation Smile Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Operation Smile has 10 executives leading key functions including executive 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

  • Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer - Shikha Shah
  • Chief Executive Officer Emeritus - William Magee
  • Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer - Kathleen Magee
  • Chief Operating Officer - James Siti
  • Founder & President - Sofia-Marie Cintron
  • Operation Smile Northern Virginia Chapter President & Co-Founder - Joseph Sultan
  • Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill - Chelsea D'Abreo
  • President, The Seven Lakes Operation Smile Chapter - Jacqueline Lam
  • Co-Founder & President - Vanessa Alvarez
  • 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 overarching strategic vision for global medical service delivery. Overseeing the integration of clinical programs with international humanitarian goals, the Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer ensures that surgical resources reach underserved populations across diverse geographic regions. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to maintain fiscal health while expanding the reach of cleft care initiatives. By optimizing organizational workflows, Shikha Shah directly impacts the efficiency of medical missions worldwide. The Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for patient safety and surgical outcomes, ensuring that every intervention aligns with the core mission of providing free, high-quality care to those in need.

    William Magee - Chief Executive Officer Emeritus

    William Magee, the Chief Executive Officer Emeritus at Operation Smile, provides foundational guidance and long-term strategic counsel to the executive leadership team. Focusing on the preservation of the organization's core values, the Chief Executive Officer Emeritus advises on the expansion of medical partnerships and the cultivation of international donor relations. This role involves mentoring current leadership to ensure continuity in the delivery of cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries. By leveraging decades of experience in humanitarian medicine, William Magee strengthens the global impact of the organization. The Chief Executive Officer Emeritus supports the development of sustainable surgical infrastructure, ensuring that the mission remains resilient across various international markets. Through this advisory capacity, the Chief Executive Officer Emeritus secures the legacy and future growth of the medical service model.
    William Magee

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

    Kathleen Magee, the Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer at Operation Smile, architects the operational framework for global surgical outreach programs. Managing the intersection of medical logistics and humanitarian advocacy, the Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of cleft care services into new international territories. This leadership position requires constant collaboration with medical professionals and regional stakeholders to ensure the delivery of safe, free surgeries. By refining the organizational approach to patient care, Kathleen Magee enhances the efficacy of medical missions. The Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer oversees the alignment of clinical standards with the broader mission of providing life-changing interventions. Through strategic oversight, the Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization remains a leader in the field of reconstructive surgery for children.

    James Siti - Chief Operating Officer

    James Siti, the Chief Operating Officer at Operation Smile, manages the daily execution of global medical programs and internal administrative functions. Overseeing the complex logistics of international surgical missions, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that medical teams receive the necessary supplies and support to perform cleft surgeries effectively. This role involves streamlining operational processes to maximize the number of patients treated across various continents. By coordinating with regional directors, James Siti optimizes the deployment of resources to areas with the highest demand for care. The Chief Operating Officer maintains strict adherence to safety protocols and operational efficiency, supporting the organization's commitment to high-quality medical outcomes. Through rigorous management of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer drives the scalability of the surgical service model in diverse global environments.

    Sofia-Marie Cintron - Founder & President

    Sofia-Marie Cintron, the Founder & President at Operation Smile, leads the development of specialized regional initiatives focused on cleft lip and cleft palate care. Architecting the growth of local outreach programs, the Founder & President ensures that the organization maintains a strong presence in key markets. This role involves engaging with community partners and medical volunteers to expand the capacity for free surgical services. By driving local fundraising and awareness campaigns, Sofia-Marie Cintron supports the broader mission of providing accessible care to those in need. The Founder & President oversees the implementation of regional medical standards, ensuring that every patient receives high-quality treatment. Through strategic leadership at the local level, the Founder & President strengthens the global network of the organization, ensuring that surgical solutions reach the most vulnerable populations.

    Joseph Sultan - Operation Smile Northern Virginia Chapter President & Co-Founder

    Joseph Sultan, the Operation Smile Northern Virginia Chapter President & Co-Founder at Operation Smile, directs the regional efforts to support the organization's global medical mission. Overseeing the mobilization of local volunteers and resources, the Operation Smile Northern Virginia Chapter President & Co-Founder ensures that the chapter contributes effectively to the delivery of free cleft surgeries. This role involves building community partnerships and managing local advocacy initiatives that raise awareness for the cause. By coordinating with the national office, Joseph Sultan aligns regional activities with the overarching strategic goals of the organization. The Operation Smile Northern Virginia Chapter President & Co-Founder manages the logistics of local fundraising events, ensuring that financial support reaches the medical teams on the ground. Through this leadership, the Operation Smile Northern Virginia Chapter President & Co-Founder expands the impact of the organization within the region.

    Chelsea D'Abreo - Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill

    Chelsea D'Abreo, the Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill at Operation Smile, leads the student-driven initiatives that support the organization's global medical service model. Architecting programs that engage the academic community, the Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill ensures that the next generation of medical professionals and advocates remains committed to the mission of providing free cleft surgery. This role involves organizing educational events and fundraising campaigns that contribute to the sustainability of international surgical missions. By fostering a culture of service, Chelsea D'Abreo strengthens the pipeline of support for the organization. The Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill coordinates with other regional chapters to share best practices and maximize the impact of student-led efforts. Through this leadership, the Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill drives the growth of the organization's influence within the academic and medical sectors.

    Jacqueline Lam - President, The Seven Lakes Operation Smile Chapter

    Jacqueline Lam, the President, The Seven Lakes Operation Smile Chapter at Operation Smile, manages the regional operations and community engagement efforts for the chapter. Overseeing the development of local outreach programs, the President, The Seven Lakes Operation Smile Chapter ensures that the organization's mission of providing free cleft surgery is effectively communicated to the local population. This role involves coordinating volunteer activities and managing fundraising initiatives that support the global medical service model. By building strong relationships with community leaders, Jacqueline Lam enhances the visibility and impact of the organization. The President, The Seven Lakes Operation Smile Chapter monitors the progress of regional goals, ensuring that local efforts align with the broader strategic objectives of the organization. Through this leadership, the President, The Seven Lakes Operation Smile Chapter secures the necessary support to continue providing life-changing care.

    Vanessa Alvarez - Co-Founder & President

    Vanessa Alvarez, the Co-Founder & President at Operation Smile, directs the strategic development of regional medical service initiatives. Architecting the framework for local surgical outreach, the Co-Founder & President ensures that the organization provides consistent and high-quality care to individuals born with cleft lip and cleft palate. This role involves managing the coordination between local medical teams and the global organization to ensure the efficient delivery of services. By driving community engagement and resource mobilization, Vanessa Alvarez supports the expansion of the organization's reach. The Co-Founder & President oversees the implementation of operational standards, ensuring that every surgical mission meets the required safety and quality benchmarks. Through this leadership, the Co-Founder & President strengthens the organization's ability to provide free, life-changing surgeries to those in need across diverse geographic regions.

    Melissa DiBona - Chief of Staff

    Melissa DiBona, the Chief of Staff at Operation Smile, facilitates communication and strategic alignment between the executive office and the broader organization. Coordinating cross-departmental initiatives, the Chief of Staff ensures that the mission of providing free cleft surgery remains the primary focus of all internal projects. This role involves managing executive priorities and streamlining decision-making processes to enhance organizational agility. By fostering collaboration among leadership teams, Melissa DiBona supports the successful implementation of global medical strategies. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key initiatives, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet the needs of patients in various regions. Through this central coordination role, the Chief of Staff strengthens the operational cohesion of the organization, allowing the leadership to focus on expanding the reach of life-changing surgical services.

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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 William Magee (Chief Executive Officer Emeritus) and Kathleen Magee (Co-founder, President & 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), William Magee (Chief Executive Officer Emeritus), Kathleen Magee (Co-founder, President & 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, Chief Executive Officer Emeritus, Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Founder & President.