ANNE ARGENTA, MD, MPH

Medical Director

Anne joined Surgicorps as the Medical Director, in 2024. Her first trip with Surgicorps was to Bhutan in 2012, as a surgery resident.  Having previously worked with other NGO’s, she knew that she had found a gem in Surgicorps!  Over the next decade, she continued as a volunteer on Surgicorps missions to Vietnam, Zambia, Samoa, Myanmar, and Bhutan.  She was a member of the Surgicorps Medical Youth Leadership, and later, the Surgicorps’ Board of Directors.  Anne joined our staff as Medical Director in 2024.  She is passionate about quality of care, patient follow-up, community outreach, and education.

Anne was first exposed to international service as a teenager, while volunteering in orphanages in Romania.  From that pivotal experience, she pursued a career that would incorporate international outreach.  She completed her plastic surgery residency and orthopedic hand fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).  She first met Surgicorps’ founder, Jack Demos, when he gave a grand rounds presentation about Surgicorps at UPMC, and she chased him out the door to get a volunteer application!  Anne is board certified in Plastic Surgery with a CAQ hand qualification, and is currently an Associate Professor at Wake Forest University.  She enjoys bringing her residents on Surgicorps missions now, as it is a constant reminder of the joy of her first Bhutan trip.

ANN WILLIAMSON, PT, DPT, MHI

Executive Director

Ann joined Surgicorps as the Executive Director in 2024. Her passion for global service was sparked during college when she spent a transformative month working at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer in Deschapelles, Haiti. Ann’s connection with Surgicorps began as a non-medical volunteer, participating in missions to Nepal in 2000 and Ecuador in 2003.

With a doctoral degree in physical therapy, Ann serves as an Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Education in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at Chatham University. She also holds a master’s degree in healthcare informatics, equipping her with advanced expertise in data and information management within healthcare education. In her role at Chatham, Ann has led international healthcare volunteer initiatives and student training.

Beyond her academic and professional endeavors, Ann has contributed her skills to two other non-profit organizations, enriching her understanding of organizational leadership and service.

DENESE OLSON

Director of Operations and Outreach

DeNese joined Surgicorps International in 2014 as Operations Manager and now serves as the Director of Operations and Outreach. In this role, she plays a vital part in advancing the organization’s mission by overseeing operations, driving communications efforts, and expanding community outreach. DeNese is also instrumental in recruiting and managing volunteers, ensuring the seamless coordination of events, and sharing Surgicorps’ inspiring story with community groups.

With extensive experience in international travel, DeNese embarked on her first Surgicorps mission in 2015 to Zambia. Since then, she has served as Trip Coordinator for several missions, bringing her organizational skills and enthusiasm to every team. She eagerly anticipates future missions and the chance to connect with others who share her passion for Surgicorps’ impactful work.

Before joining Surgicorps, DeNese dedicated over 13 years as an International and Domestic Adoption Caseworker, helping families grow and thrive. She also contributed her expertise as a Clinical Education Program Assistant for Chatham University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Her diverse background and unwavering commitment make her an invaluable asset to the Surgicorps team.

GRETCHEN HOMISON

Administrative Assistant

Gretchen joined the Surgicorps team in 2019 as an Administrative Assistant, after a fulfilling decade as a preschool teacher. Gretchen enhances the Surgicorps team with a dynamic skill set including processing donations, database management, reporting, and maintaining office supplies. Gretchen’s proactive and efficient approach allows the office to run smoothly.

Gretchen enjoys interacting with team members around the country and also local volunteers. Surgicorps’ mission of bringing hope to people in developing countries continues to inspire her.

JACK E. DEMOS, MD

Founder and Medical Director Emeritus

Jack earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, followed by a General Surgery Residency at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, MA, and a Plastic Surgery Residency at Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. He has been Board Certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for over 43 years, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to excellence in his field.

In 1994, Jack founded Surgicorps International. He remains actively involved in the organization, leading medical missions and serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors. In recognition of his exceptional humanitarian efforts, Jack received the Jefferson Award for Volunteerism from the Kingdom of Bhutan in 2012.

When not on missions, Jack is a familiar presence in the Surgicorps office, collaborating with staff and volunteers to support the organization’s ongoing projects and operations.