Operation Smile Executive and Leadership Team

Kathleen Magee, the Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer at Operation Smile, directs the overarching vision for global medical humanitarian efforts. Magee architects the strategic framework for delivering free cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries to patients in resource-limited environments. By fostering international partnerships, the Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent access to high-quality surgical care across diverse geographic regions. Kathleen Magee maintains rigorous standards for medical excellence while overseeing the expansion of surgical programs into new territories. This leadership role involves coordinating with global health stakeholders to address systemic barriers to care. Through persistent advocacy and resource mobilization, the Co-founder, President & Chief Executive Officer drives the mission to provide transformative medical interventions. Magee secures the long-term sustainability of surgical initiatives by aligning organizational goals with the urgent needs of communities worldwide, ultimately improving health outcomes for thousands of children.

Shikha Shah, the Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer at Operation Smile, manages the daily execution of executive priorities and organizational initiatives. Shah coordinates cross-functional workflows to ensure the seamless delivery of medical services to patients born with cleft conditions. By streamlining communication between departments, the Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer facilitates rapid decision-making during complex international medical missions. Shikha Shah monitors operational performance metrics to optimize the allocation of resources across global surgical sites. This role requires constant collaboration with leadership to refine the strategic direction of the organization. Through meticulous oversight of administrative processes, the Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer supports the scaling of surgical capacity in high-need regions. Shah drives operational efficiency, ensuring that every medical program aligns with the core mission of providing life-changing care to children in need of surgical intervention.

James Siti, the Chief Operating Officer at Operation Smile, directs the logistics and supply chain infrastructure required for global surgical missions. Siti manages the complex movement of medical equipment and personnel to regions where cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries are most needed. By optimizing operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that medical teams possess the necessary tools to perform safe, high-quality procedures. James Siti oversees the implementation of safety protocols across all international sites to maintain consistent standards of care. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional directors to scale surgical capacity in response to local demand. Through the application of rigorous logistical planning, the Chief Operating Officer drives the efficiency of medical service delivery. Siti monitors the performance of field operations to ensure that resources reach the most vulnerable populations, ultimately supporting the organization's commitment to providing life-changing surgical care on a global scale.

Chelsea D'Abreo, the Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill at Operation Smile, leads student-driven initiatives and community engagement programs. D'Abreo architects strategies to mobilize youth volunteers and raise awareness for the organization's mission of providing free cleft surgeries. By fostering partnerships with academic institutions, the Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill expands the reach of advocacy efforts and fundraising campaigns. Chelsea D'Abreo coordinates local events that support the broader goal of delivering medical care to children born with cleft conditions. This role involves mentoring student leaders and ensuring that campus-based activities align with the organization's global standards. Through the development of educational programs, the Senior President - UNC Chapel Hill drives community involvement and long-term support for surgical missions. D'Abreo manages the execution of regional outreach projects, ensuring that student efforts contribute directly to the success of international medical programs and the overall impact of the organization.

Vanessa Alvarez, the Co-Founder & President at Operation Smile, shapes the long-term strategic direction and philanthropic outreach of the organization. Alvarez drives the development of sustainable funding models that support the delivery of free cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries. By engaging with global donors and partners, the Co-Founder & President secures the resources necessary to expand surgical access in underserved regions. Vanessa Alvarez oversees the cultivation of international relationships to ensure the continuity of medical programs. This leadership role involves advocating for the rights of patients and promoting the importance of accessible surgical care. Through the implementation of innovative outreach strategies, the Co-Founder & President strengthens the organization's presence in key global markets. Alvarez monitors the impact of philanthropic initiatives to ensure alignment with the core mission. By championing the cause of cleft care, the Co-Founder & President ensures that the organization continues to provide life-changing medical services to children worldwide.

Melissa DiBona, the Chief of Staff at Operation Smile, orchestrates the integration of strategic planning and internal operations. DiBona aligns departmental objectives with the broader mission of providing free cleft surgeries to patients globally. By managing the executive office agenda, the Chief of Staff ensures that leadership focuses on high-impact initiatives that expand surgical access. Melissa DiBona facilitates communication across the organization, bridging gaps between medical teams and administrative support functions. This role involves analyzing operational data to improve the effectiveness of international medical missions. Through the implementation of robust management systems, the Chief of Staff drives organizational accountability and transparency. DiBona supports the executive team by identifying critical bottlenecks and developing solutions that enhance the delivery of care. By maintaining a clear focus on strategic priorities, the Chief of Staff ensures that the organization remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of patients in diverse global markets.