Operation Smile Appoints Scott McDonald as Global Chief Development Officer

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global nonprofit Operation Smile announced the appointment of Scott McDonald as Global Chief Development Officer. McDonald, reporting into Chief Strategy Officer, Kristie Magee Porcaro, will lead the organization’s global development strategy, overseeing the fundraising and aligning partnerships that further drive Operation Smile’s bold strategy to expand access to safe, timely and equitable surgical care around the world.

Before joining Operation Smile, McDonald served as chief external affairs Officer at Root Capital, where he led resource mobilization, engagement and communications to advance climate resilience, gender equity and economic opportunity across rural communities in Africa, Latin America and southeast Asia. His career has also included leadership roles at the ONE Campaign, International Medical Corps, the International Rescue Committee and the Guggenheim Museum, delivering growth and sustainability through innovative, integrated approaches to capital mobilization, including philanthropy and innovative finance in support of social change.

“We are in a pivotal moment for development and fundraising with the recent launch of Operation 100 – our transformational blueprint to bring access to surgical care closer to home for more than 500 million people worldwide,” said Kristie Magee Porcaro, chief strategy officer at Operation Smile. “Scott’s remarkable depth of experience and passion for mission driven work is crucial as we advance this strategy. His leadership in strategic philanthropy, global partnerships and cross-functional collaboration makes him an incredible addition to our team.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the Operation Smile team as we continue the incredibly important work of ensuring everyone has access to safe, affordable surgery,” said McDonald. “I come with more than 20 years of experience in development – spanning multiple continents, funding modalities and sectors – and I remain deeply dedicated to driving impact through Operation 100, creating sustainable solutions that support communities and transform lives.”

Scott holds an MBA from Boston University, as well as master’s degrees from the Royal College of Art, London and the University of Edinburgh. He also completed executive programs in social finance at the University of Oxford and data analysis at the London School of Economics. He resides in Los Angeles, California.

About Operation Smile  

Operation Smile is a leading global nonprofit bridging the gap in access to essential surgeries and health care, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care. We provide medical expertise, training, mentorship, research and care through our dedicated staff and volunteers around the world, working alongside local governments, nonprofits and health systems, and supported by our generous donors and corporate partners. Visit operationsmile.org for more information. 

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Molly Speed
Porter Novelli
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