About Us

Who We Are

Operation Smile is a leading global non-profit that is transforming the lives of children born with cleft lip and palate in low- and middle-income communities. We deliver life-changing care, strengthen local healthcare systems, and bring hope to communities worldwide.

Mission & Vision

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

Our Mission is simple – through our expertise in treating cleft lip and cleft palate, we create solutions that deliver safe surgery and complete cleft care to people where it’s needed most.

Surgeons performing a cleft repair

Our Values

Global teammates and volunteers make a commitment every day to live Operation Smile’s core values:

It’s our belief that when we stand together with one purpose and one vision, we will bring transformative care to more children and communities in more places around the world – as well as make our donors proud to partner with us.

Compassion

We care with all our heart for our patients, their families, the communities we serve and for the people who help us serve them.

We go beyond what’s asked of us every day for everyone, no matter their situation or location.

We embrace each family we encounter and bring them into ours.

We listen with both ears and an open heart.

Maria from Equador

Resilience

We let nothing stand in the way of us caring for our patients.

We work tirelessly to meet the unmet needs of people across the globe, finding new and inventive ways when needed.

We always find a way forward and meet each program in the field with more determination than the last.

We stand together with our colleagues and volunteers.

Sandra Vavivola, Female, 12 years old, UCL, After, with Grandmother Emanuelle Baozoma. Follow up visit to Sandra's village near Mahanoro.

Integrity

We are immensely proud of the quality of care we provide each and every year to patients and their families around the globe.

We are driven to help and committed to ensuring every team member has the resources they need to be successful.

We uphold the high standards and moral principles our Co-founders established over 40 years ago.

Nina Alexia Rabeson

Impact

We leave communities stronger by delivering transformative services to children and their families.

We enable medical professionals and volunteers to better serve the future needs of communities by sharing our knowledge, skillset and expertise in the field.

We inspire the next generation of volunteers and change makers by leading by example and never missing an opportunity to provide life-changing services.

Adeline, After photo, near Butare, Rwanda

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is a group of passionate leaders with expertise in healthcare, business, and philanthropy. Their dedication helps us provide life-changing surgeries and care to children and families, creating brighter futures around the world.

Dr. Michael Bezuhly

Board Chair Michael Bezuhly MD, MSc, SM, FRCSC, FAAP

Ken Wilson

Past Chair Ken Wilson MD, FRCS(C), CM

Treasurer Byron Gilchrist

Darcy Huda

Secretary Darcy Huda

This is a photo of Christine Nakamura

Director Christine Nakamura

Dr. Vivek Panchapakesan

Director Vivek Panchapakesan BSc, MD, FRCSC, Plastic Surgeon

Rick Mangat

Director Rick Mangat PhD

Jim Siti

Director Jim Siti

Dr. Bill Magee

Co-Founder Dr. Bill Magee

Mark Climie-Elliott, CFRE

Chief Executive Officer Mark Climie-Elliott