Operation Smile Executive and Leadership Team

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 deliver free surgical care to individuals with cleft lip and palate conditions. Shah oversees the coordination of global initiatives, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to maximize patient impact. The executive's responsibilities extend to fostering key partnerships and driving the organization's growth in underserved regions. By championing innovative approaches to medical service delivery, Shikha Shah ensures Operation Smile maintains its position as a leader in transformative healthcare solutions. This executive's focus remains on expanding access to critical surgeries, thereby improving the quality of life for thousands of children and their families annually. The strategic direction set by Shah directly influences program development and fundraising efforts, solidifying the organization's long-term sustainability and reach.

Kathleen Magee, the Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer at Operation Smile, spearheads the organization's core mission and strategic direction. As a co-founder, Magee brings deep-seated experience and a profound understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with cleft lip and palate. This leadership position involves setting the ethical and operational standards for all global programs, ensuring the delivery of safe and effective surgical care. Magee actively engages with international medical communities and stakeholders to advance the organization's objectives. The executive's influence extends to shaping public perception and advocating for increased access to reconstructive surgery worldwide. By driving innovation in patient care and program management, Kathleen Magee ensures Operation Smile's continued impact. This role requires a comprehensive oversight of all facets of the organization, from clinical operations to fundraising and volunteer engagement, all aimed at fulfilling the promise of a better future for children in need.

James Siti, the Chief Operating Officer at Operation Smile, manages the day-to-day operational framework that supports the organization's global mission. This executive oversees the efficient execution of medical missions, ensuring compliance with international healthcare standards and safety protocols. Siti's responsibilities include optimizing resource allocation, streamlining logistical processes, and enhancing the effectiveness of surgical teams deployed worldwide. The Chief Operating Officer plays a critical part in scaling Operation Smile's reach, enabling more patients to receive life-changing surgeries. By fostering collaboration among diverse operational teams, James Siti drives operational excellence and ensures seamless program delivery across various geographic regions. This role demands a keen focus on process improvement and risk management to uphold the integrity and impact of the organization's services. The operational strategies implemented by Siti directly contribute to the successful completion of thousands of procedures annually.

Madeline McClernon, the Club President at Operation Smile, leads local chapter initiatives focused on awareness and fundraising. This role involves mobilizing student volunteers and community members to support the organization's global mission of providing free surgeries for children with cleft conditions. McClernon directs chapter activities, including organizing events, educational campaigns, and donation drives. The Club President fosters a sense of community engagement and empowers members to contribute meaningfully to Operation Smile's impact. By developing leadership skills within the chapter, Madeline McClernon ensures the sustained growth and effectiveness of local outreach efforts. This position requires strong organizational and communication abilities to coordinate chapter operations and inspire volunteer participation. The dedication of McClernon and the chapter members directly supports the provision of critical medical care to those in need.

Chelsea D'Abreo, the Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill at Operation Smile, directs the university chapter's strategic operations and outreach programs. This leadership position involves guiding student efforts in fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and awareness campaigns to support Operation Smile's global mission. D'Abreo oversees the chapter's engagement with the broader UNC community, fostering a strong network of support for providing free surgeries to children with cleft lip and palate. The Senior President ensures alignment with organizational goals, driving initiatives that maximize the chapter's contribution to patient care. By developing and implementing chapter-specific strategies, Chelsea D'Abreo enhances the chapter's impact and visibility. This role requires exceptional leadership and organizational skills to manage diverse activities and inspire dedicated volunteers. The work led by D'Abreo directly contributes to Operation Smile's ability to reach more children in need of life-changing medical treatment.

Ruby Franck, the Co-President Lehigh Chapter at Operation Smile, shares leadership responsibilities for the chapter's engagement and fundraising activities. This role involves collaborating with fellow leaders to drive initiatives that support Operation Smile's mission of delivering free surgical care to children with cleft conditions. Franck contributes to organizing chapter events, raising awareness within the Lehigh community, and mobilizing volunteers. The Co-President works to ensure the chapter's activities effectively contribute to the organization's global impact. By fostering teamwork and shared vision, Ruby Franck helps to strengthen the chapter's capacity to support critical medical missions. This position requires effective communication and coordination skills to manage chapter operations and inspire member participation. The collective efforts of Franck and the chapter members are vital in advancing Operation Smile's life-changing work.

Rajavi Kodnani, the President, Co of Operation Smile Club, leads the club's strategic direction and operational activities. This executive role focuses on advancing the organization's mission to provide free surgical care for individuals born with cleft lip and palate. Kodnani oversees the planning and execution of club initiatives, including fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and volunteer coordination. The President ensures the club's efforts align with Operation Smile's global objectives, maximizing local impact. By fostering a collaborative environment, Rajavi Kodnani empowers club members to contribute effectively to life-changing medical treatments. This position demands strong leadership and organizational acumen to guide the club's growth and success. The commitment demonstrated by Kodnani and the club members directly supports Operation Smile's vital work in transforming lives.

Ashley Obodo, the Chapter President at Operation Smile, directs the chapter's strategic initiatives and operational execution. This leadership role involves spearheading efforts to raise awareness and funds for providing free surgical care to children with cleft lip and palate conditions. Obodo oversees the coordination of chapter activities, including volunteer engagement, event planning, and community outreach programs. The Chapter President ensures that the chapter's contributions effectively support Operation Smile's global mission. By fostering a strong sense of purpose and collaboration, Ashley Obodo empowers chapter members to make a significant impact. This position requires robust organizational and communication skills to guide the chapter's success. The dedication of Obodo and the chapter members is crucial in advancing Operation Smile's life-changing work worldwide.

Varshini Venkatasamy, the Founder & President at Operation Smile, established and leads the chapter's core operations and strategic vision. This executive role is dedicated to advancing the organization's mission of delivering free surgical solutions for individuals with cleft lip and palate. Venkatasamy oversees the planning and implementation of chapter-wide initiatives, including fundraising drives, awareness campaigns, and volunteer recruitment efforts. The Founder & President ensures the chapter's activities are aligned with Operation Smile's global objectives, maximizing local contributions to patient care. By cultivating a strong organizational culture, Varshini Venkatasamy empowers chapter members to contribute meaningfully to life-changing medical treatments. This position demands exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills to guide the chapter's sustained growth and impact. The commitment shown by Venkatasamy and the chapter members is fundamental to Operation Smile's ongoing success.

Reagan Heller, the Co-Founder & Co-President at Operation Smile, shares leadership in guiding the chapter's strategic direction and operational activities. This executive role is pivotal in advancing the organization's mission to provide essential surgical care for children with cleft lip and palate. Heller collaborates with the co-president to oversee the planning and execution of chapter initiatives, encompassing fundraising, awareness building, and volunteer engagement. The Co-Founder & Co-President ensures the chapter's efforts directly support Operation Smile's global objectives and patient impact. By fostering a collaborative leadership approach, Reagan Heller empowers chapter members to contribute effectively to life-changing medical procedures. This position requires strong teamwork and organizational skills to drive the chapter's success. The collective efforts of Heller and the chapter are integral to Operation Smile's vital work.