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CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, OPERATION SMILE, VIRGINIA BEACH
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, OPERATION SMILE, VIRGINIA BEACH
Virginia Business// August 30, 2023//
Bringing smiles to the faces of children worldwide is a family affair for plastic and craniofacial surgeon Magee, who, with his wife, Kathy, a former nurse and clinical social worker who serves as the nonprofit’s president, founded Operation Smile in 1982. His oldest son, Dr. Billy Magee, serves as the organization’s chief of research, innovation and education.
Magee founded the nonprofit international medical charity after the couple traveled to the Philippines as medical volunteers to repair children’s cleft lips and palates. About 300 families showed up seeking care for their children, but volunteers could treat only 40. The Magees promised to return. The organization has since provided free surgical and dental care to more than 326,000 people. Earlier this year, the organization was honored by the Virginia General Assembly for its charitable work, which was also recognized by Pope John Paul II.
Magee earned his medical degree from George Washington University and his dental degree from the University of Maryland. GWU named him one of its Monumental Alumni in recognition of the positive impact he’s had on the world.
