Kathleen Magee
Kathleen Magee is a true figurehead. In 1986, she graduated with a Master of Social Work from Norfolk State University. Operation Smile was co-founded in 1982 by Kathy Magee and her husband, Dr. Bill Magee, and she currently serves as its president and CEO. Additionally, Magee has been actively participating in Operation Smile Student Programs, which give students the chance to volunteer, participate, and support Operation Smile's efforts by generating money and awareness.
Before she was appointed president and CEO, she oversaw the International Student Leadership Conference, which brings together over 600 chosen leaders from 35 nations every year. She has promoted academic collaborations and research with universities, including the University of Southern California, through the International Family Study, which advances knowledge of cleft etiology.
Throughout her more than 40 years of employment with Operation Smile, Magee has made numerous international trips to grow in-country boards while fostering important business, diplomatic, governmental, and medical alliances that help the organization fulfill its purpose. As CEO, she sets the direction and oversees every facet of the company. In 2022, she initiated the Next Decade of Love and Leadership, which aims to improve access to care for one million patients with clefts and other critical and urgent surgical situations. Her passions include youth empowerment, health equity for women, and scaling education and training globally. Kathy is a major force behind many of Operation Smile's trademark activities.