Operation Smile, a leading international children’s medical charity, announced the appointment of Bill Kliewer to chief executive officer. Mr. Kliewer has been affiliated with the charity for more than four years, having served on Operation Smile’s Board of Governors and Global Fundraising Steering Group. Mr. Kliewer brings decades of experience within the nonprofit sector, having served in executive positions at World Vision for more than 35 years.
As the newly-appointed CEO, Mr. Kliewer will manage the day-to-day operations of Operation Smile, focusing on strategic growth, program oversight, policy and advocacy, and coordinating stakeholder relations and fundraising. Previously, he served as executive vice president for World Vision U.S., as well as other senior leadership positions with World Vision in Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. During his time at World Vision, he helped to grow the charity from a $4 million organization to a nearly $3 billion global nonprofit.
“What an exciting time to be involved in Operation Smile’s growth, as we approach our 30th anniversary and build upon the continuing entrepreneurial spirit and determination of our co-founders, Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee. It is a profound privilege to work with them as they model how compassion changes the lives of children,” said Mr. Kliewer. “We know there are too many preventable deaths in the world for children born with clefts, and far too many children who aren’t able to smile. What is inspiring is how our staff, supporters and medical volunteers have dedicated their time, energy and resources for three decades to help us reach more children. As Operation Smile expands its training programs to reach even more local doctors in resource-poor settings and continues to develop sustainable programs, thousands more children will grow up healthy, have the opportunity to receive an education, be embraced by their communities, and realize a better future.”
“Bill Kliewer brings a wealth of experience to Operation Smile that will help us create a greater impact for children and communities in the developing countries where we work,” said William R. Fox, chairman of Operation Smile’s Board of Directors. “Under his direction, our leadership team is poised to deliver greater access to safe surgical care for vulnerable populations, ultimately reaching even more children who need our help.”
Among Kliewer's many achievements throughout his career, he helped launch programs that amplified awareness and galvanized support around global disasters in places such as Ethiopia and Bangladesh. He also pioneered the development of global marketing and fundraising programs in developing nations. He is passionate about helping children.
Approaching its 30th anniversary, Operation Smile is focused on expanding its impact globally. As the largest volunteer-based surgical cleft organization, Operation Smile works in more than 60 countries to provide free reconstructive surgery for children born with facial deformities such as cleft lip and cleft palate. The charity is committed to building local medical capacity in developing countries to increase access to safe, quality surgical care. Through a network of more than 5,000 medical volunteers from over 80 countries, Operation Smile has provided more than 3.5 million free healthcare evaluations, and performed over 200,000 free surgeries. To create long-term self-sufficiency, Operation Smile provides training for doctors and local medical professionals in developing countries so they are empowered to treat their own communities. The organization also provides year-round medical treatment through Comprehensive Care Centers.
About Operation Smile (www.operationsmile.org)
Operation Smile, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is an international children’s medical charity with programs and Foundations in more than 60 countries, whose network of more than 5,000 medical volunteers from over 80 countries is dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults. Since its founding in 1982, Operation Smile has provided more than 3.5 million patient evaluations and conducted over 200,000 free surgeries for children and young adults born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities. To lay the groundwork for long-term self-sufficiency in developing countries, Operation Smile trains doctors and local medical professionals in its partner countries so they are empowered to treat their own local communities.
