RestoringVision Welcomes Kristin Cooney as New COO to Boost Operations

RestoringVision Appoints Kristin Cooney as Chief Operating Officer

RestoringVision, a prominent global nonprofit organization dedicated to tackling the vision crisis, has recently announced the appointment of Kristin Cooney as its inaugural Chief Operating Officer (COO). This strategic decision highlights RestoringVision's commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and expanding its outreach in providing vision care to the underserved.

Cooney assumes a pivotal role where she will guide the day-to-day operations of RestoringVision. Her multifaceted responsibilities include overseeing key departments such as procurement, supply chain, program evaluation, and human resources. With an ambitious goal to reach over 7 million individuals living in extreme poverty with adequate vision screening and eyeglasses by the end of this year, Cooney's leadership is essential in driving the organization toward this objective.

As she steps into her new position, Cooney brings with her nearly four decades of extensive experience in managing global programs across various regions, including Asia, Africa, and Haiti. Her previous role as head of global program management at Corus International allowed her to develop and oversee a diverse portfolio focusing on health, agriculture, and livelihoods. This wealth of experience is expected to significantly benefit RestoringVision as it intensifies its mission to combat the global vision crisis.

Pelin Munis, the CEO of RestoringVision, expressed her enthusiasm about Cooney’s appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to have Kristin on board. Her extensive experience in international program management, coupled with her genuine commitment to strengthening partnerships and improving lives, will be invaluable as we scale our operations further."

Cooney’s career has also included significant positions with USAID, where she played a critical role in their missions in Haiti and West Africa, as well as at their Washington D.C. headquarters. She is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the nonprofit sector, ensuring that RestoringVision's operations align with strategic initiatives aimed at optimizing performance and efficiency.

Reflecting on her new role, Cooney shared her excitement: "Joining RestoringVision at this decisive moment in the organization's journey is truly an honor. The mission to enhance lives through accessible vision care resonates profoundly with my professional drive, and I am eager to apply my expertise toward boosting its global impact."

RestoringVision has set ambitious targets, and in 2023, it successfully reached approximately 6 million individuals with vision-related services. By focusing on presbyopia—a common age-related vision impairment—RestoringVision aims to alleviate the struggles faced by the 800 million people worldwide who are affected.

With its commitment to transforming lives through the provision of vision screening and eyeglasses to people living on less than $2 a day, RestoringVision has significantly impacted over 34 million individuals in more than 150 countries since its inception in 2003. The organization recognizes that accessible vision care is integral to unlocking human potential, bridging health, education, and livelihood challenges.

For more information about RestoringVision and to learn how you can support their mission, please visit RestoringVision's website. With the leadership of Kristin Cooney, the organization is poised to scale new heights in addressing the global vision crisis efficiently and effectively.