Orbis appoints new president and CEO

Kathleen Sherwin

International eyecare charity Orbis International has appointed a new president and CEO, Kathleen Sherwin. She joins from the NGO Plan International, where she was chief strategy and engagement officer.

The new CEO aims “to accelerate Orbis’s work to prevent blindness and restore sight, while promoting eye health as a global health priority”.  

“Eye health must be understood not as a standalone issue, but as a fundamental driver of equity, education, economic stability, and health system readiness,” said Kathleen. “Orbis has a critical role to play in ensuring eyecare is fully integrated into broader health and development priorities.”  

John Slattery, chair of the board of directors, commented: “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. 

“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 career has focused on advancing the health and rights of women and girls. She previously held senior roles at Women Deliver and Planned Parenthood Federation of America.  

Find out more about Orbis at www.orbis.org.uk