Welcoming Orbis International's New CEO: Kathleen Sherwin

Kathleen brings more than 25 years of experience advancing health equity, gender equality, and sustainable development across the nonprofit and humanitarian sectors. Most recently, she served as Chief Strategy & Engagement Officer at Plan International, a global organization advancing children’s rights and equality for girls. In that role, she led strategy, partnerships, fundraising, communications, and policy, strengthening the organization’s global profile and long-term impact.

Kathleen believes leadership is a privilege rooted in supporting others to create lasting change. She is deeply committed to achieving impact at scale and sees Orbis as uniquely positioned to meet the growing global need for eye care.

“The need for eye care has never been greater,” Kathleen says. “Orbis is focused on strengthening sustainable health systems through proven approaches—supporting women-led and environmentally conscious eye centers, delivering world-class ophthalmic training both in person and virtually, and empowering local leadership. Working in partnership with governments, health professionals, and communities, we can scale these solutions quickly to meet urgent global needs.”

Kathleen joins Orbis International at a pivotal moment as the global health landscape evolves and the need for integrated, resilient health systems becomes increasingly urgent. She is focused on accelerating Orbis’s work to prevent blindness and restore sight while elevating eye health as a global health priority.

Kathleen’s experience in the global NGO space, particularly her passion for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls around the world, is an incredible asset for the entire Orbis community," says Lisa McKeen, CEO of Orbis Canada. "We are excited to work closely with Kathleen and our Canadian partners to help advance Orbis’s commitment to creating equitable access to eye care for everyone, globally and here in Canada."

Kathleen’s passion for her work is deeply personal. As the first in her family to attend college and leave her hometown, she understands the transformative power of opportunity. “I believe in health and rights—making sure the most vulnerable have access to the services they need so they aren’t left behind.” she said.

She is a strong advocate for shared leadership, believing that sustainable impact comes from empowering leaders at every level—country directors, program teams, and our partners the communities Orbis serves.

“I don’t believe in singular leadership. The sustainability of an INGO is about having leaders in all the areas for which you work, at the country, region, and global level,” she says.

Throughout her career, Kathleen has worked extensively with global development institutions and multilateral partners, including the United Nations, African Union, and European Union, to strengthen systems and advance health and human rights worldwide.

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, Adolescent Girls Investment Plan, the Joining Forces alliance, the Unlock the Future Coalition, and Generation Unlimited.

Kathleen’s 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, including Interim President & CEO, and at Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

She emphasizes the importance of reaching those who face the greatest barriers to care, which are often women and girls.

“Women and girls are central to the well-being of families and communities,” Kathleen notes. “When they are healthy and supported, entire communities benefit.”

Women and girls account for approximately 55% of people living with vision loss, making equity-centered eye care essential to Orbis’s mission and impact.

Image gallery: Kathleen is a passionate and experienced leader.

Kathleen’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Orbis. Her strategic vision, global experience, and collaborative leadership will guide Orbis as we continue working toward a future where everyone, everywhere has access to quality eye care and the opportunity to reach their full potential.