Our Team
Chris Hilleary, B.S., Pharm.D.
Board of DirectorsAfter earning his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 1995, Chris began traveling throughout Southeast Asia and developed a deep connection to Cambodia. In 2001, he became involved with Operation Smile and has since helped transport more than 125 children to Phnom Penh for life-changing cleft lip and palate surgeries. His 2003 documentary, Welcome to My World, highlighted the challenges faced by a young girl working at Phnom Penh’s city dump and inspired his long-term support of her education and family. Chris also worked with Pharmacists Without Borders, leading a successful child survival project. Today, he champions educational opportunity and improved futures for Cambodian children and families.
Alice E. Smith, Ph.D.
Board of DirectorsAlice has a doctorate in Speech Pathology and teaches courses on cleft disorders at the University of Iowa. She has been volunteering for Operation Smile missions in Cambodia for many years. This remarkable person not only manages a busy career in the States but continues practicing her specialty by lending her expertise to Cleft missions in Cambodia and teaching local healthcare personnel at the International University in Phnom Penh. Alice’s dedication and desire to help the people of Cambodia has spilled over into her personal life with the fact that she has adopted two children from Cambodia. Her wit, charm, knowledge and experience of Cambodian life made her a natural to help and direct the Fund.
Roger Bailey, B.A., Pharm.D.
Board of DirectorsRoger is a retired pharmacist and healthcare manager who spent 26 years with a large California HMO. A life-changing trip to Cambodia in 2005 to assist with a child survival project opened his eyes to the profound impact even small acts of generosity can have. Inspired by the children and families he met, Roger helped launch fundraising efforts to support Operation Smile and local orphanages. His passion for creating lasting change led him to help establish The Assistance Fund of Cambodia. Today, he continues to play a key role in fundraising, supporting educational opportunities, and advancing its mission.
Mark Abatangelo, RTD
Board of DirectorsOriginally from San Diego, California, Mark spent 20 years in real estate before retiring to Southeast Asia, where he divides his time between Cambodia and Thailand. An avid surfer and off-road motorcycle enthusiast, Mark is known for his boundless energy, engaging personality, and ability to turn ideas into action. Over the years, he has helped transport children from remote Cambodian villages to Phnom Penh for life-changing cleft lip surgeries and has dedicated countless hours to supporting charitable efforts throughout the country. His deep appreciation for Khmer culture, long-standing connections in Cambodia, and unwavering commitment to those we serve make him a driving force behind our mission and impact.
Ann Nash, B.S., MBA
Board of DirectorsAnn Nash is a retired marketing executive with more than 30 years of experience leading marketing and communications teams for global organizations. Throughout her career, she has combined professional leadership with a longstanding commitment to volunteer service, including projects supporting low-income families, community outreach and home-building initiatives. Following her first visit to Cambodia, Ann was inspired by the determination of the students and families served by The Assistance Fund of Cambodia. She is honored to serve on the board and support the organization’s mission of creating educational opportunities that transform lives.
Sak Sothavy, B.S.
Board of DirectorsSothavy has dedicated her career to helping Cambodian youth build brighter futures through education and social support. She earned a B.S. in Economic Development from the Royal University of Law and Economics in 2009 and went on to pursue her passion for serving disadvantaged children through counseling and social work. In 2010, she became a recognized Social Worker with Cambodia’s Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation. Through leadership roles with several child-focused NGOs, including Anakut Laor, Sothavy has gained extensive experience supporting vulnerable youth and remains an invaluable resource to TAFC.