About me
Pat Bacuros is an experienced and recognized leader in the development and execution of approaches and programs that support the advancement and strengthening of health systems, complement health education activities, as well as support disaster/emergency response efforts. For over 25 years, Pat has enabled programs around the world to maximize impact and reach out to those most in need by building strategic partnerships for efficient and targeted Gift-In-Kind development.
Pat joined Operation Smile, Inc. (OSI) in August 2018 as the Vice President, Gifts-in-Kind and Corporate Partnerships. OSI is one of the largest medical volunteer-based nonprofits that, for over 35 years, has mobilized thousands of medical volunteers from 80 countries to deliver surgery to hundreds of thousands of people. Their work advances health care delivery, trains local medical professionals, and delivers surgical care for patients with cleft lip and cleft palate in their communities. Partnership with the corporate sector has been critical to advancing the organization’s work – crucial donations of pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medicines, equipment, and supplies have, and will continue to, increase access to surgical care in low-and-middle-income countries worldwide. This will create lasting impact not only on the people served but on the entire health system through comprehensive cleft care, training and education programs.
Pat previously led the Gifts-In-Kind and Emergency and Disaster Response team at Project HOPE before leading the Philanthropic Investment team at Direct Relief. Pat built strategic relationships with healthcare companies and secured in-kind donations for programs at home and abroad supporting: maternal and child health; disease prevention and treatment; health systems strengthening; and emergency response. Pat traveled extensively to Central Asia, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe working with regional staff in the placement of gift-in-kind deliveries to medical facilities while building relationships with in-country representatives of the pharmaceutical sector and government agencies.
Pat also serves on the board of PQMD (Partnership for Quality Medical Donations), a global alliance that champions and leads the development of high standards in medical supply and service donations. Pat held several positions on the board including Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and NGO at Large. She graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education and holds a teaching license in the state of Virginia. She also studied emergency management and disaster response at American Public University.