NGO leader Kathleen Sherwin joins Orbis International to meet the growing global demand for eyecare.
Global eye care NGO Orbis International is pleased to welcome Kathleen Sherwin as the organisation’s new President and CEO.
Kathleen brings more than 25 years of experience advancing health equity, gender equality and sustainable development across the nonprofit and humanitarian sectors. Her career and values strongly align with Orbis’s vision of a world where everyone can access the eye care they need to thrive.
She joins Orbis at a pivotal moment as the global health landscape evolves and the need for integrated, resilient health systems becomes increasingly urgent. Kathleen will accelerate Orbis’s work to prevent blindness and restore sight, while elevating eye health as a global health priority.
Kathleen Sherwin.
Before joining Orbis, Kathleen served as Chief Strategy and Engagement Officer at Plan International, where she led strategy, partnerships, fundraising, communications and policy to strengthen the organisation’s global profile, and address the challenges, barriers and inequalities faced by young girls across the world.
“Eye health must be understood not as a standalone issue, but as a fundamental driver of equity, education, economic stability, and health system readiness,” Kathleen said. “Orbis has a critical role to play in ensuring eye care is fully integrated into broader health and development priorities.
“Kathleen’s passion for meaningful change and her unwavering commitment to equity and access strongly resonate with Orbis’s mission to eradicate curable blindness globally,” said John Slattery, Chair of the Board of Directors for Orbis International. “We are thrilled to welcome her as CEO and look forward to the impact she will help Orbis achieve for communities around the world.”
Kathleen’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Orbis. Her strategic vision, global experience and collaborative leadership will guide the organisation as it continues working toward a future where everyone, everywhere, has access to quality eye care and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Her leadership has been consistently shaped by a commitment to advancing the health and rights of women and girls. She previously held senior roles at Women Deliver as Interim President and CEO, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
