Operation Smile’s Director of Online Communities and Social Media Receives AMA Nonprofit Marketer of the Year Award

At an awards ceremony held by the American Marketing Association (AMA) and American Marketing Association Foundation (AMAF) in Chicago, IL, Eric Overman, Operation Smile Director of Online Communities and Social Media, received the prestigious Nonprofit Marketer of the Year Award. This award honors extraordinary leadership and achievement in the field of nonprofit marketing.

Operation Smile is a worldwide children’s medical charity that provides free surgery to children with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities. Through a network of international volunteers, Operation Smile has conducted more than 130,000 surgeries and has a presence in over 50 countries. Founded in 1982 by Dr. William P. Magee Jr., a plastic surgeon, and his wife, Kathleen S. Magee, a nurse and clinical social worker, the organization is dedicated to providing free surgery to children suffering from facial deformities, while fostering sustainability and capacity building in each developing country where they work.

In addition to being an innovator in healthcare solutions, Operation Smile has focused on innovations in technology to better serve donors, volunteers and other constituents. Eric has led that effort since 2006 when he launched the organization’s first Online and Interactive department. This department established integrated marketing programs and introduced new technologies that generated 30 percent growth in annual online revenue with a 500% increase in the organization’s email database. To further increase donor engagement and stimulate additional grassroots fundraising and advocacy, Operation Smile is currently launching a branded online community as well as creating an innovative social media campaign utilizing the latest in emerging media channels.

“Operation Smile is extremely proud of Eric and the role he has played in utilizing technology to provide excellent donor service and engagement,” says Kyla Shawyer, Operation Smile’s Senior Vice President of Global Direct Response Fundraising. “Eric’s passion and drive has enabled Operation Smile’s online marketing program to expand into new marketing channels and to help raise awareness and funds to assist even more children around the world.”

In August 2008, Operation Smile was also recognized by the Direct Marketing Association’s Nonprofit Federation (DMANF) as the 2008 Nonprofit Organization of the Year.

About Operation Smile
Founded in 1982, Operation Smile, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is a worldwide children’s medical charity whose network of global volunteers are dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults. Since its founding, Operation Smile volunteers have treated more than 130,000 children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities and the organization has a presence in 51 countries. In addition to contributing free medical treatment, Operation Smile trains local medical professionals in its partner countries and leaves behind crucial equipment to lay the groundwork for long-term self-sufficiency. To learn more about Operation Smile, or to make a donation, visit www.operationsmile.org.

About the American Marketing Association Foundation
The American Marketing Association Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Marketing Association (AMA). The AMA is the largest marketing association in North America. It is a professional association for individuals and organizations involved in the practice, teaching and study of marketing worldwide. It is also the source that marketers turn to every day to deepen their marketing expertise, elevate their careers and ultimately achieve better results. American Marketing Association members are connected to a network of experienced marketers nearly 40,000 strong. For more information, visit www.themarketingfoundation.org.