Smile Train Names Sarah Hamilton as its First Director of Global Advocacy and Public Policy

New York, NY (March 11, 2024) – Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organisation, taps Sarah Hamilton as its first Director of Global Advocacy and Public Policy. Hamilton served as the organisation’s Senior Programs Communications Manager for the past four years, and previously worked in advocacy and communications roles with organisations including the Global Alliance for Surgical, Obstetric, Trauma, and Anaesthesia Care (G4 Alliance). 

In her new role, Hamilton will drive the organisation’s advocacy strategy to ensure that cleft care is prioritised, financed and sustained at the multinational, national and community levels. 

“We are thrilled for Sarah to continue her work at Smile Train in this inaugural role”, said Phil Carroll, Smile Train’s Senior Vice President of Communications. “As we celebrate Smile Train’s 25th anniversary this year, we could not be happier to add to the advocacy capacity of Smile Train and look forward to the incredible impact we will have with Sarah at the helm”.

The announcement comes on the first day of the Commission on the Status of Women, the UN’s largest annual gathering on gender equality and women's empowerment.

“Smile Train is serious about advocating for and championing the most vulnerable”, said Hamilton.

“From the beginning, Smile Train has invested not only in individuals with clefts but also advancing health equity and building stronger health systems. Advocacy is a crucial part of this effort. With Smile Train’s team, and through collaboration with our partners, we will strive to ensure that the voices within the cleft community are heard on the global health agenda.”

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Press Contact:
Nicole Bell
Vice President, Public Relations
Smile Train
(646) 829-0996 | nbell@smiletrain.org