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Kathleen Sherwin Takes the Helm at Orbis International to Expand Global Eye Care

Prime Highlights:

  • Kathleen Sherwin appointed as President & CEO of Orbis International, bringing over 25 years of leadership in health equity and women’s rights.
  • Sherwin plans to grow Orbis’s reach worldwide, ensuring eye care is accessible and promoting health, education, and economic opportunity.

Key Facts:

  • Orbis ranks in the top 3% of U.S. charities for transparency and accountability.
  • The organization uses training, partnerships, and technology to make eye care accessible in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Background:

Orbis International, a global eye care nonprofit, has named Kathleen Sherwin as its new President and CEO, starting immediately. Sherwin brings more than 25 years of experience in health equity, sustainable development, and gender equality across international nonprofit and humanitarian organizations. Her leadership aligns closely with Orbis’s vision of a world where quality eye care is accessible to everyone.

John Slattery, Chair of Orbis’s Board of Directors, said, “Kathleen’s dedication to meaningful change and her commitment to equity perfectly reflect Orbis’s mission to eliminate preventable blindness worldwide. We are excited to see the positive impact her leadership will have on communities across the globe.”

Sherwin joins Orbis at a critical time as global health challenges evolve and integrated, resilient health systems become increasingly important. She highlighted that eye health affects more than just vision, saying, “Good eye care supports education, work opportunities, and overall health. Orbis ensures eye health is part of global development efforts.”

Before joining Orbis, Sherwin was Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer at Plan International, where she led strategy, partnerships, fundraising, and policies to improve programs for children and girls. She has also held senior roles at Women Deliver and Planned Parenthood, showing her long-term commitment to women’s and girls’ health and rights.

Orbis International has been preventing blindness and restoring sight for more than 40 years, starting with the Flying Eye Hospital, a teaching hospital on a plane. Orbis trains local doctors and nurses and works with hospitals in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to make eye care easier to get. Over 1.1 billion people have vision problems, but most can be prevented. Orbis helps people see and live better. With Sherwin as CEO, it plans to reach more people.

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