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Operation Smile has transformed lives around the world by providing care to patients for more than 40 years.
- Cleft Explained Get the basics on cleft conditions.
- Surgery and Beyond Learn how cleft care is more than surgery.
- Real-Life Stories Read stories from our patients and volunteers.
Using AI to Help Create New Smiles and Rebuild Lives

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We are transforming communities through education, empowerment and collaboration.
Explore Global Initiatives
- Where We Work Explore the countries and regions we work in.
- Health Workforce Strengthening Read how we're educating health care providers.
- Youth Empowerment Read about our commitment to the next generation.
- Policy and Advocacy See how we work with governments to create change.
- Strategic Partners Explore our nonprofit and NGO partners.
- Thought Leadership Learn how we are at the forefront of our field.
Give children the chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems and social stigma.
- Ways to Give Learn about how you can transform lives.
- Share Your Medical Expertise Become a medical volunteer.
- Student Programs Join our global community of students.
- Advocate for Us Spread the word about us.
- Partner With Us Become a corporate partner.
Since our founding in 1982, Operation Smile has believed that access to safe surgery is not a privilege, but a universal human right.
- Our Story and Impact Explore our rich history and exciting future.
- Our Leadership Meet our leadership team.
- Corporate Partners Learn about our corporate partners.
- Financials and Reports Read our annual reports and financial statements.
- News and Media Read the latest news from us.
- Interactive Learning Center Visit us in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
- Careers Find a career that matches your passion.
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- Cleft Explained
- Surgery and Beyond
- Real-Life Stories
- Where We Work
- Health Workforce Strengthening
- Youth Empowerment
- Policy and Advocacy
- Strategic Partners
- Thought Leadership
- Ways to Give
- Share Your Medical Expertise
- Student Programs
- Advocate for Us
- Partner With Us
- Our Story and Impact
- Our Leadership
- Corporate Partners
- Financials and Reports
- News and Media
- Interactive Learning Center
- Careers

Melanie Hittinger

Development Manager

Contact Melanie

Melanie Hittinger is Operation Smile’s development manager based in Tampa, Florida. With a background deeply rooted in the nonprofit sector, Hittinger is passionate about connecting donors to the causes they care about. Prior to joining Operation Smile, she served as the development manager at the Obesity Action Coalition, where she led the individual giving and corporate support programs. Hittinger’s commitment to philanthropy extends beyond the workplace, actively engaging in the Tampa Bay community as a board member for the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Foundation and chair of the East Pasco YMCA. A graduate of West Chester University with a Bachelor of the Arts in English literature, Melanie brings her creative communication skills to foster connections, drive change and make a positive impact.

Cleft conditions affect millions of children worldwide, affecting their health and wellbeing. Your gift can help transform lives.

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You can give children a chance to grow up without life-threatening health problems, social stigma, isolation and feelings of hopelessness.

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