With more than 25 years of leadership experience in global health and development, Kathleen is committed to championing eye health as a global priority and accelerating Orbis’s impact worldwide.
Throughout her career, Kathleen has focused on advancing health equity and strengthening sustainable systems through policy, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. She is deeply committed to expanding equitable access to essential services and opportunity, with a particular focus on advancing the health and rights of women and girls. Her leadership has driven large-scale, cross-sector initiatives and multi-million-dollar partnerships that have improved health and education outcomes for millions of people globally.
Prior to joining Orbis, Kathleen served as Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer at Plan International, where she oversaw global strategy, partnerships, fundraising, communications, and policy engagement, strengthening the organization’s impact, influence, and long-term sustainability. She has also held senior leadership roles at Women Deliver, including Interim President & CEO, and at Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
Kathleen has worked extensively with multilateral and global institutions, including the United Nations, African Union, and European Union, to advance health rights and system-level change. She has also served as a board member and advisor to leading initiatives, including most recently the World Economic Forum’s Global Alliance for Women’s Health, SheDecides, the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH), the International Civil Society Centre, the Adolescent Girls Investment Plan, the Joining Forces alliance, the Unlock the Future Coalition, and Generation Unlimited.
Kathleen holds an M.B.A. from the New York University Stern School of Business and a certificate from Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation for Senior Executives.
Based in New York City, Kathleen brings a collaborative, results-driven leadership style and a strong commitment to partnership. Her strategic vision, global experience, and dedication to equity guide Orbis as we work to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to quality eye care—and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
