Mark White joins Orbis as new CFAO

Mark brings with him more than 25 years of experience in the international nonprofit sector, having led finance and operations across multiple continents and mission-driven organizations. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Alight (formerly the American Refugee Committee), where he spent nearly 16 years supporting refugees and displaced people across more than 20 countries.

Before his time at Alight, Mark served as Chief Operating Officer for Habitat for Humanity Australia (based in Sydney), where he worked closely with the CEO and senior leadership on strategic planning, finance, compliance, HR, and information systems. His leadership journey with Habitat for Humanity also included key roles at the global level: Director of Business Strategy Development for the Asia Pacific region (based in Bangkok, Thailand) and Finance Manager for the Africa & Middle East office (based in Pretoria, South Africa).

Throughout his career, Mark has earned a reputation for excellence in financial and administrative leadership, and for building strong, mission-driven teams. His approach emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and strong communication, aligning closely with Orbis’s values.

“It is easy to see why Orbis is the global nonprofit leader in eye care and the prevention and treatment of blindness,” Mark shared. “Everyone I met during the interview process was passionate, transparent, and welcoming. I am thrilled to join the team.”

Mark has a personal connection to the Orbis mission. He recalled a recent experience that brought home the importance of access to quality eye care:

“Last summer, I incurred a sports injury that resulted in a torn retina and quickly found myself in an operating chair receiving laser eye surgery,” he said. “Having worked in the INGO space for so long, I am acutely aware how fortunate I am to have easy access to high-quality medical and eye care. Orbis’s mission to build strong and sustainable eye care systems globally that put treatment and prevention within reach deeply resonates with me, especially after that situation.”

Mark holds a Master of Science in taxation from DePaul University in Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in accounting from Fort Lewis College in Colorado. In recognition of his leadership, he was named CFO of the Year in the large nonprofit category by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal in 2023.

Outside of work, Mark enjoys playing soccer, skiing, and fly fishing—and has completed 15 marathons, including the New York City Marathon.

We’re thrilled to welcome Mark and look forward to the leadership and insight he will bring to help us grow our impact and continue working toward a world where no one loses their sight to avoidable causes.


Top image: Mark White (front right) pictured with former colleagues during a finance training session.