2023 Year in Review

From the Co-Founders:

For more than 40 years, we have believed that in life there are no ordinary moments. That is definitely how it felt when we first set foot in Naga City, Philippines in 1982 and were met by a sea of families desperate for care for their children. The years have flown by as our organization has expanded into a global network of passionate people – from volunteers and government officials to corporations and generous donors – who have joined us believing that children are the only language we all have in common. 

It all starts with one child with a cleft condition: You will read about Dayana and her mother who faced obstacle after obstacle when seeking care for her cleft. Through the years, we have learned that sometimes it takes more than compassion to change lives; sometimes it takes resilience and grit. Thanks to the Operation Smile Guatemala team’s commitment to her care, Dayana is one of the thousands worldwide who received treatment this year and is now part of a comprehensive care program in Guatemala. 

Education, training and mentorship have been hallmarks of Operation Smile since we launched our Physician Training Program in 1987. In 2020, we envisioned the Women in Medicine initiative specifically to address the critical shortage of female health care providers globally. By creating educational pathways for women, we are providing them access to the essential tools for success. Operation Smile was a first-time participant in the Women Deliver Conference in Rwanda last year and was able to highlight our goal of increasing the number of women in the global health workforce by training providers in under-resourced areas. 

Operation Smile is fortunate to have thousands of skilled, dedicated medical volunteers around the world who selflessly donate their time and talent to make our programs possible. We know that the world needs 2.2 million more surgical providers, so our signature Champion Program matches seasoned medical professionals with leading local medical professionals so that every surgical program is an educational program. This program, which facilitates educational exchanges and long-term mentorship, is already building capacity in Guatemala and Rwanda by increasing the number of available medical professionals.  

Our student volunteers are also champions. As future leaders, we believe their experiences today instill a commitment to global health that lasts a lifetime. Just ask Laura Alvarez from Panama. You will want to read about how being born with a cleft condition led to her being one of our most active student advocates now speaking around the world and mentoring others with cleft conditions. In 2023 Laura shared her story at a United Nations General Assembly side event “Congenital Conditions and Universal Health: A Global Dialogue,” representing Operation Smile as a cleft lip and cleft palate patient advocate. 

Advocacy is the foundation of our vision, but we would not be able to do the work we do without our partners. Collaboration and partnerships with ministries of health, academic institutions and corporations are key. In 2023 we marked 35 years of partnership with Johnson & Johnson, who has provided life-saving surgical equipment, sutures and financial donations, as well as strong employee support. Through our partnership with the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), we are building sustainable solutions to increase the number of skilled surgical providers in the region. 

As we continue in our “Next Decade of Love and Leadership,” we remain wholeheartedly committed to our goal of providing access to essential care beginning with excellent surgical and comprehensive care closer to the communities where our patients live. Operation Smile has grown because we have not been afraid to think big. The need to bring quality health care closer to our patients is immense. Today we have the opportunity and the responsibility to make lasting change in the lives of children, their families and entire communities. 

With your continued support we will turn ordinary moments into extraordinary ones for every patient who still waits for us. Thank you for joining us and believing in us. 

Warm regards,

Operation Smile’s Mission and Vision

Mission

Through our expertise in treating cleft lip and cleft palate, we create solutions that deliver safe surgery to people where it’s needed most. 

Vision

We envision a future where health and dignity are improved through safe surgery. 

2023 Program Highlights

We are committed to bridging the gap in access to essential surgeries and health care, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care. We provide medical expertise, training, research and care through our dedicated employees and volunteers worldwide. We work alongside local governments, nonprofits and health systems, supported by our generous donors and corporate partners. 

Operation Smile’s clinical programs reached new heights in the 2023 fiscal year*, expanding essential services to a broader range of patients. The following program highlights showcase the dedication of our medical and non-medical volunteers, employees and generous supporters. Together, we provide safe, high-quality care that positively impacts our patients and their communities.  

This unwavering commitment empowers us to fulfill our mission: using our expertise in treating cleft conditions to develop solutions that deliver safe surgery to those who need it most. 

*July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 

177 Surgical Programs

Operation Smile conducted 177 surgical programs in 33 countries across Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Asia.

70,000+ Patients Received Surgery and Comprehensive Care

We provided 70,037 patients with surgery and comprehensive care through medical programs, care centers and partner hospitals. Of these patients, 13,940 patients received surgical care, while 56,097 patients received comprehensive care services such as dental care, speech therapy, nutrition and psychosocial care. Since 1982, we’ve helped more than 420,000 people receive life-changing surgical procedures and comprehensive care.

32 Care Centers

Operation Smile provided patients with comprehensive cleft treatments, including dental care, speech therapy, psychosocial care, nutritional support and more at 32 care centers in 19 countries.

5,800+ Health Care Workers Trained

Operation Smile made a substantial investment in health care capacity by training 5,856 health care workers. Training and education are vital, equipping local providers with the skills needed to deliver high-quality care and expand access to care within their own communities.

Hospital and Equipment Investments

Hospital and equipment investments were made in Ethiopia, Guatemala, Palestine, Morocco, Madagascar, China, Colombia, Philippines, Vietnam and Peru. These investments will support ongoing surgical and comprehensive care, hands-on training, and lay the groundwork for continuous care beyond surgical programs.

Bridging the Gap and Transforming Lives

Operation Smile is dedicated to transforming lives by providing access to safe, timely, and effective surgical and comprehensive care. Our work extends beyond surgery; it encompasses a commitment to our patients, their families and their communities. Dayana and her family’s journey exemplifies the profound impact of our mission. 

For 11 years, Dayana and her mother, Eluvia, faced numerous obstacles in accessing cleft surgery in rural Guatemala. Despite Eluvia’s relentless efforts, they were met with repeated disappointments. Local health care facilities lacked the resources to perform the surgery, and previous attempts to connect with other organizations ended in frustration and uncertainty. This gap in access to care is a challenge that the majority of families in remote areas face. 

When Eluvia learned about Operation Smile Guatemala, everything changed. Our organization provided clear information about our surgical program, including when and where to go, and what to expect. This comprehensive support system is crucial in ensuring that families like Dayana’s can navigate the health care process confidently. 

When Dayana and Eluvia arrived at our surgical program in Petén, they experienced a supportive environment filled with other families facing similar challenges. This sense of community is a vital component of our programs, helping families feel supported and less isolated. Meeting other patients with cleft conditions helped Eluvia realize they were not alone in their journey. 

Despite an initial setback due to a positive COVID-19 test, Operation Smile remained committed to Dayana’s care. Our team ensured continuous communication and support. Three months later, Dayana successfully underwent surgery, transforming her life. 

Dayana’s surgery is more than a medical procedure; it’s a gateway to a brighter future. Post-surgery, she can now attend school, make friends and participate in her community without the stigma and isolation she previously experienced. This transformation highlights the broader impact of our work on our patients’ social and emotional well-being. 

Operation Smile’s commitment extends beyond individual patients to entire communities. By providing training to local health care professionals and raising awareness about cleft conditions, we aim to create sustainable, long-term solutions.  

Championing Health Equity: Global Commitment, Local Impact

Women Deliver 2023

In July 2023, Operation Smile engaged in the Women Deliver 2023 Conference (WD2023) in Kigali, Rwanda, a pivotal platform for advancing gender equality and shaping the global agenda. As one of the proud sponsors of this global event, Operation Smile underscored its unwavering dedication to health and gender equity while highlighting its efforts to expand access to care and effect positive change in the communities we serve. 

Our participation in Women Deliver 2023 reaffirmed our commitment to provide life-changing surgical and comprehensive care, recognizing the significant need for increased capacity in the global health workforce. Hosting the engaging side event, “The Power of Peer Mentorship to Transform Global Health,” we emphasized the pivotal role of mentorship in advancing both global health equity and gender equity in health care. 

Despite women comprising 70% of the global workforce, they occupy only 25% of leadership roles in health care. Operation Smile champions initiatives like Women in Medicine, empowering more women to enter the health care field through educational pathways, mentorship and training. By addressing the health care workforce shortage and fostering local capacity-building, we strive not only to provide enhanced care to our patients but also to strengthen health systems within their communities. 

With an unwavering commitment to health and gender equity, Operation Smile remains steadfast in its mission to foster a more inclusive future for generations to come. 

Concordia 2023

Operation Smile recently participated in the Concordia Summit, an annual gathering that convenes influential leaders from across the globe to foster dialogue and forge impactful partnerships for positive social change. 

At the summit, Operation Smile showcased its dedication to bridging gaps in access to care through education and capacity building. Kristie Magee Porcaro, Chief Strategy Officer, delivered a compelling fireside chat titled “Bridging Care Gaps: Empowering Health Workers for Global Equity” on the main stage. Moderated by Jamie Ducharme, a health journalist from Time magazine, the session resonated strongly with attendees, paving the way for further discussions on Operation Smile’s impactful work. 

Our participation in the Concordia Summit underscores our commitment to drive positive change and advance health equity on a global scale. Through strategic investments in training and capacity-building, Operation Smile aims to create sustainable solutions that enhance access to care for the patients and communities we serve. By investing in training and building local capacity in the countries where we work, Operation Smile aims to bridge the gaps in access to care and create a brighter, healthier future for all. 

Building Local Capacity for Lasting Impact

Operation Smile’s commitment to building local capacity and creating a lasting impact was showcased during the Champion Program in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, held in March 2023. During this program, our volunteers screened 128 patients and provided life-changing surgeries for individuals like Paulina and Teofilo. 

Paulina, a resilient single mother of two, had endured years of discrimination due to her cleft lip. Despite facing significant challenges to reach the surgical site, she remained determined to receive the care she deserved. Under the skilled hands of Dr. Carlos Dorado, Operation Smile Bolivia’s medical director, Paulina underwent surgery, receiving not only a new smile but also hope for a brighter future. Similarly, Teofilo, a 17-year-old, embarked on a journey to receive surgery with the unwavering support of his friends and family, eager to transform his life for the better. 

Operation Smile recognizes the critical role of trained health care professionals in providing timely and specialized care to patients like Paulina and Teofilo. Often, such specialized training may not be readily available locally, creating a gap in the health care system. Through initiatives like the Champion Program, which facilitates educational exchanges and long-term mentorship, our aim is to bridge this gap by equipping local medical professionals with the skills and expertise necessary to serve their communities effectively. 

Dr. Maria Fernanda, a global surgery fellow, emphasized the invaluable learning opportunities provided by the Champion Program to access specialized training in cleft lip and palate care. Experienced mentors play a crucial role in guiding mentees and elevating standards within the health care sector, creating a ripple effect that enhances the overall quality of care in the communities they serve.  

The impact of Operation Smile’s efforts extends beyond Bolivia, with successful implementations of our Champion Program in other countries. This underscores not only our commitment but also the dedication of our volunteers who invest their time to train, mentor and increase local capacity in their countries and beyond. Through these initiatives, patients like Teofilo have access to life-changing surgeries, empowering them to lead fuller, happier lives. Their stories of transformation serve as a testament to the power of building local capacity and creating sustainable solutions to address health care disparities. 

Local Heroes: Volunteer Leadership in Action

Since Operation Smile’s inception in Ghana in 1989, dedicated medical professionals like volunteer cleft surgeon Dr. Opoku Ampomah have been instrumental in expanding and ensuring the success of the organization throughout the country. With over 12 years of involvement with Operation Smile Ghana, Dr. Opoku serves as a testament to the impact of our local leaders. 

At Operation Smile Ghana, Dr. Opoku wears multiple hats as a board member, volunteer surgeon, and medical director. His unwavering commitment is evident in his efforts to increase access to care for Ghanaian patients. Under his leadership, Operation Smile has prioritized building surgical capacity at the local level, training, and empowering Ghanaian medical professionals to provide comprehensive cleft care year-round. 

Through Operation Smile’s programs, Dr. Opoku and his team have successfully trained surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, pediatricians and other health care workers. This capacity-building approach has not only enhanced the quality of care but also fostered a sense of ownership and sustainability within the Ghanaian health care system. 

Despite facing challenges such as limited resources and educational barriers for medical students, Dr. Opoku remains steadfast in his dedication to improving cleft care in Ghana. Through Operation Smile’s collaborative efforts, significant strides have been made in training local practitioners and bridging the gap in access to care for patients across the country. 

Dr. Opoku’s proudest moments with Operation Smile are those where he witnesses the transformative impact of cleft surgery on patients and their families. The smiles on their faces and the positive changes in their lives reaffirm his belief in the organization’s mission and inspire him to continue volunteering his time and expertise. 

As Operation Smile Ghana continues to grow and evolve, Dr. Opoku Ampomah’s legacy serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the profound difference that dedicated volunteers can make in the lives of those in need.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: International Student Leadership Conference 2023

Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) is more than just a gathering; it’s a transformative experience that empowers young changemakers to create tangible impacts in their communities. ISLC 2023, hosted in Lima, Peru, brought together over 250 high school and college participants from 23 countries for an impactful 1-week educational event, fostering an environment of learning, skill-building, and global camaraderie. 

With the generous support of Title Sponsor Align Technology, ISLC 2023 offered a platform for participants from around the world to engage with inspiring speakers, participate in workshops and forge lasting friendships with like-minded peers dedicated to service. Mannat Talwar from India exemplifies the profound impact of ISLC, stating, “Operation Smile is the one that’s actually helping me in becoming a different and better version of myself.” 

Keynote addresses from Operation Smile co-founders, Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee, emphasized the collective power of young individuals to effect change. Their message resonated deeply with attendees like Nisha Urusaro Muganga from Rwanda, who affirmed, “At the end of the day, if you have a problem, you are the key.” Rudrani Goshsal from the U.S. also echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of taking action regardless of available resources. 

A highlight of ISLC 2023 was the reunion of the Cleft Connect Chat, a group dedicated to supporting teens born with cleft conditions. Their stories and experiences showcased the importance of community and support. Laura Sofia Alvarez from Panama emphasized, “The only thing that makes us different is that you see our scars, but I cannot see yours.” This sentiment spurred initiatives like Lily Namata’s plan to adapt Cleft Connect for Malawi, aiming to combat the stigma surrounding cleft conditions. 

ISLC 2023 exemplified Operation Smile’s commitment to youth empowerment, inspiring participants to become agents of change in their communities and beyond. Through education, empathy, and collective action, these young leaders are poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by cleft conditions. 

Student Leaders: Empowering Tomorrow’s Change-makers

Operation Smile’s commitment to fostering empowerment and advocacy among young leaders shines through individuals like Laura Alvarez, a dedicated student volunteer from Panama. 

Laura shares a common bond with many of our patients, having been born with a cleft condition herself. Unlike many patients, Laura was fortunate enough to have access to the necessary care and treatment. Despite this, she still faced the challenges of living with a cleft condition and bullying. Through Operation Smile, however, she found a supportive community that ignited her passion for service. 

For over four years, Laura has actively engaged in various initiatives to raise awareness and funds for cleft care. From organizing bake sales to participating in international conferences like Latinoamérica en Acción (LEA), the Global Alliance for Surgical, Obstetric, Trauma and Anaesthesia Care (G4 Alliance) and the 78th session of United Nations General Assembly, Laura’s impactful speeches resonate across different countries, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and resilience. 

Last year, Laura interned at Operation Smile headquarters, continuing to amplify her advocacy efforts by sharing her story at local schools and community events. Her dedication has earned her widespread admiration and recognition within the organization. 

A defining moment in Laura’s journey occurred during a school presentation in Virginia Beach, where she met Farryn, a young girl struggling with her own cleft condition. Laura’s heartfelt story transformed Farryn’s perspective, instilling confidence and hope. 

Looking ahead, Laura’s commitment remains steadfast. In July 2023, she served as a mentor at Operation Smile’s International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) in Peru, spearheading the launch of Cleft Connect Chat Latin America (LAC) to expand the organization’s reach in this region. Additionally, she had the opportunity to join Operation Smile at the United Nations event, “Congenital Conditions and Universal Health: A Global Dialogue,” where she shared her perspective as a former patient and student advocate. 

Laura Alvarez embodies the spirit of resilience, compassion and leadership that defines Operation Smile’s mission. Her journey to change-maker serves as a testament to the transformative power of empowerment and advocacy. As Operation Smile continues to support youth worldwide, student leaders like Laura inspire hope, advocate for change, and create a positive impact in communities around the globe. 

Partnering for Lasting Solutions

Operation Smile doesn’t just address the immediate surgical needs of patients with cleft conditions; it also invests in shaping the future of health care through education, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. Recognizing the critical shortage of surgical providers globally, we have taken proactive steps to support the next generation of medical professionals that will help us address the need for comprehensive care and safe surgery in the communities where we work.  

In 2021, Operation Smile formed a groundbreaking partnership with the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA), the largest surgical training institution in sub-Saharan Africa. This collaboration aims to tackle urgent surgical needs by offering training programs and an internationally recognized Surgical Qualification. Through this initiative, we are not only addressing the shortage of surgeons but also ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills to provide quality care to patients in the region. 

In 2023, we took this commitment a step further by solidifying the partnership with COSECSA and allocating funding for the training of sixteen plastic surgeons in sub-Saharan Africa over the next five years. Already, this collaboration has made a significant impact in Rwanda, where the number of plastic surgeons has increased from two to five. The success of this impact can be attributed to the dedication and expertise of local leaders and volunteers like Prof Faustin Ntirenganya and Dr. Charles Furaha, who have played a pivotal role in training the next generation of surgeons in Rwanda. 

Through these strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, Operation Smile is not only providing life-changing surgeries to patients but also building sustainable solutions that will have a lasting impact on health care in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. 

Building Health that Lasts: Celebrating 35 Years of Partnership with Johnson & Johnson

At Operation Smile, we recognize the transformative power of partnerships and their crucial role in strengthening health care systems. Our partnership with Johnson & Johnson (J&J) exemplifies how united efforts can create lasting impact in the communities we serve. 

What began 35 years ago with a donation of a few boxes of sutures has evolved into an impactful partnership. Today, J&J generously provides every suture used in our surgical programs, along with significant financial and employee support. This partnership has helped Operation Smile bring more than 420,000 new smiles to children and young adults born with cleft conditions. 

Together, we aim to increase access to care for our patients, creating a lasting impact on the health care systems of the communities we serve. Thanks to continued product donations, employee involvement, and our shared mission to make a difference for patients and their families, J&J is helping Operation Smile transform lives on a large scale. 

Every new smile we create stands as a testament to the impact of our work. Together, we are building a future where quality health care is accessible to all, fostering healthier and happier communities. 

Impactful Partnerships

Operation Smile unites a global community of like-minded supporters who believe that all families have the universal right to access the safe surgery and comprehensive cleft care they need and deserve. The support of compassionate and generous individual donors, foundations and corporations allows us to pursue our mission of creating solutions that deliver safe surgery to people where it’s needed most. From financial contributions that fuel our organization to gifts-in-kind that equip our teams around the world with state-of-the-art supplies and equipment, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of our supporters on behalf of the children and families we have the privilege to serve. 

A.B. Miller, A.S. Watson Group, AbbVie, Academy of Dance and Gymnastics, A-dec, Akorn, Alex J. Marshall, Align Technology, Alphapals, Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi, Amazon Studios, Ambience, Ansell, APEC, Appolonia, Aqua, Atomy, Augusta Zimmerman, AVA Kids, Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund, Barefoot Dreams, Baxter, BD, Bel (The Laughing Cow), Bessemer Giving Fund, Birdsong Corporation, Bloom Foundation, Brad Cahill, Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation, Carl Mattson, Carole Sachs, Charities Aid Foundation America, Chelsea R. Cordner, Chevron, Christian Broadcasting Network, Cisco, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Close To My Heart, CMC, Colgate, Contempo Property Holdings Inc., Darlie, David Lim, David Yurman, DDS Dental Supplies, Diana L. Goldberg, Dick Czarniecki, Peggy and Don Watkins, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Eastern Luminance Inc., E-Da Group, ENI, Enova, Ethicon, Inc., Eugene B. Casey Foundation, Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation, Evelyn Johnson Charitable Foundation, EVN Hanoi, Ewerman AB, ExxonMobil, Family Medical Practice Clinic, Fehsenfeld Riley Foundation, GGC Land Inc., George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, Gladys Bernstein, Greg McNeely, Government Saving Bank, Hampton Roads Community Foundation, Hasbro Children’s Fund, Healthpoint Abu Dhabi, Henry Schein, Hearst Foundations, Hikma, Intuitive Foundation, IVL Foundation, J.C. General Services CVBA, JGC Philippines, Jack Taylor Family Foundation, James F. Vedder, James Larweth, Jeanette R. Lynton, Jeffrey W. Kellogg, John B. Morgan, Judy and Harry Wason, Johnson & Johnson, Jubilant Cadista, Karo HealthCare AB, Kathleen Parsons, Kathryn Quan, Kay Family Foundation, Keetsa Inc, Kenvue, Kevin M. Miller, Kramer Family Foundation, Live to Love Foundation, Mabuhay Filcement inc., MACE Group, Marriott Asia Pacific, Marriott Group, Mary Jane MacMillan, Mary S. Millstone, MB Ageas Life, Mediterranean Shipping Company (USA) Inc., Mediterranean Shipping Company (Global), Medtronic, Minneapolis Foundation, Mindray, Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mitchell Weiss, Mölnlycke, Mohammed Bin Rashid University, MoMo, Moon Oral Care, Mubadala Investment Company, Musto Family Foundation, Nancy E. Young, Nando and Else Peretti Foundation, New Viet Dairy, Nickel Asia Group, Nio, Norfolk Southern, Nu Cuòi Viêt (Dental), Patricia Rosenberg, PepsiCo, Pigeon, Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC, Petro Vietnam Oil (PVOIL), Quentin and Jeanne Nesbitt Charitable Fund, Raymond Chavez, Raymond Hentges, Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund, Reconstructive Surgery Foundation Inc., Robert Mudge, Roma Downey, Ron Carlson, Ronin Surgical Corp., Rotary International, Sandy Yi, Security Bank Corporation, SCG Foundation, See’s Candies, Sharon D. Lund Foundation, Shunpike Charitable Foundation, Siam Commercial B Bank, Sika Asia/Pacific, Sippi K. Khurana, SK Korea, Sorenson Legacy Foundation, Stanley Cook, 8Star Land Development & Real Estate Corp., Stefan Stetkiewicz, Stephen R. Smith, Stryker, Stuart B. Scudder, SV Land Holdings LLC, The Accuride Blue Fund, The Beverly J. Jewell Memorial Foundation, The Elliott Family Foundation, The John and Ethel Kashulon Foundation, The K2 Wind Foundation, Inc., The Port of Virginia, The Preservati Family Charitable Foundation, The Rallis Foundation, Reckitt Benckiser, The Rucks Family Foundation, The Sandra Atlas Bass & Edythe & Sol G. Atlas Fund Inc., The Sharon D. Lund Foundation, Topas Travel, Sweden Postal Code Lottery, The Theresa Bittenbring Marque & John Henry Marque Fund, Thomas W. Dye Homes, Tides Medical, Tién Phuóc Corp., TisBest Philanthropy, TowneBank and TowneBank Foundation, Triangle T.Farms, UBISOFT, UBS Optimus Foundation, Valaria T. DeVine, Veronica Beard, Viet Dreams Foundation, Vietnam Airlines, W. O’Neil Foundation Inc., Walter and Marilyn Joy Samuels Charitable Foundation Trust, Wasily Family Foundation, Watsons Personal Care Stores (Phils) Inc., Whitesell Construction Co., Inc., Williamsen Family Foundation, William Valentic, Winston Garcia, XGen Pharmaceuticals DJB, Yas Links, Zydus Pharmaceuticals 

Financial Statement

We hold ourselves accountable to the trust you place in our work to improve health and dignity through safe, effective and timely surgery.

Committed to being the best steward of your gifts, we direct funds to programs that bring the highest standards of care to people living with cleft and other facial and dental conditions.

Most importantly, we pride ourselves on following the highest standards of accountability, effectiveness and efficiency.

As one of the largest volunteer-driven surgical organizations, Operation Smile celebrates the hundreds of employees around the world who work tirelessly to ensure that the organization continues to extend its impact. Our heartfelt gratitude also goes out to the families of employees and volunteers whose sacrifices make our life-changing work possible.

Board of Directors

Christopher Anderson

Treasurer
CEO, RoundhouseOne
San Francisco, Calif., U.S.

Robert James Boyd III

Chairman
Chairman of the Board & President, Boyd Steamship Corp.
Panama City, Panama

Dominic M. Gioffree Jr., D.D.S.

Vice-Chair
General Dentist & Owner, First State Dental P.A.
Wilmington, Del., U.S.

Kathleen S. Magee, B.S.N., M.S.W., M.Ed.

Secretary & Officer
Co-Founder, President & CEO, Operation Smile
Virginia Beach, Va., U.S.

Todd Magee

Board Director
Former Co-Owner, American By-Products Recyclers and Planet Earth Biodiesel
Atlantic Highlands, N.J., U.S.

William P. Magee Jr., D.D.S., M.D.

Board Director
Co-Founder & CEO Emeritus, Operation Smile
Virginia Beach, Va., U.S.

James Poisant

Board Director
Secretary General, World Information Technology & Services Alliance
Ashburn, Va., U.S.

Steve Rodosky

Board Director
Managing Director & Portfolio Manager, PIMCO
Newport Beach, Calif., U.S.

Bruce Smith

Board Director
President, Bruce Smith Enterprise
Virginia Beach, Va., U.S.

Senior Leadership

Ruben Ayala, M.D., M.S.C.

Officer
Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer, Operation Smile
Virginia Beach, Va., U.S.

Kathleen S. Magee, B.S.N., M.S.W., M.ED.

Board Director & Officer
Co-Founder, President & CEO, Operation Smile
Virginia Beach, Va., U.S.

William P. Magee Jr., D.D.S., M.D.

Board Director
Co-Founder & CEO Emeritus, Operation Smile
Virginia Beach, Va., U.S.

William P. Magee III, D.D.S., M.D.

Officer
Chief of Research, Innovation & Education, Operation Smile
Virginia Beach, Va., U.S.

Kristie Porcaro

Officer
Chief Strategy Officer, Operation Smile
Virginia Beach, Va., U.S.

Jim Siti, MBA

Officer
Chief Operating Officer, Operation Smile
Virginia Beach, Va., U.S.

Senior leadership as of December 31, 2023.

Creative Credits

We work with an incredible group of creative professionals, volunteers and supporting staff who help us connect global audiences to the heart of each story we tell. Their approach to portraying the beauty and dignity of patients and the passion of volunteers brings us closer to their experiences and helps support our work, transforming the lives of patients, their families and health systems around the world. Thank you for your part in bringing these stories to life.