Skip to main content

Meet Our Leadership Team

PSF-Logo-Teal-HD

Omar

omar ponciano


Executive Director

Jose Antonio Omar Ponciano has been an invaluable member of the Partner for Surgery team since February 2024. A native of Guatemala, Omar currently serves as the Executive Director of ACPC/PFS. A graduate of Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and a master’s degree, Omar brings over 20 years of experience in administrative, commercial, and operational roles with multinational corporations. Fluent in English and Spanish, Omar’s leisure pursuits include sport fishing and SCUBA diving. His commitment and motivation to our team is unparalleled.

Silvia

Silvia Macario


Financial Director

Silvia Eugenia Macario Balán has been a part of the Partner for Surgery | Compañero para Cirugía team since March 2010. She is from Zaragoza, Chimaltenango, and currently serves as the Financial Director.

Silvia holds a degree in Legal and Social Sciences, and she is a qualified Attorney and Notary. She has previously worked as a General and Project Accountant at FUNDEBASE and ASECSA. Silvia is fluent in Spanish and enjoys swimming and visiting the countryside in her spare time. She is excited to contribute to the growth and development of the organization as a member of the team.

Rosemary

Rosemary Hernández Barzanallana


Mission Director

Rosemary Hernández Barzanallana has been a vital part of the Partner for Surgery team since November 2023. Born in Guatemala, Rosemary currently holds the position of Missions Director.With a background in Clinical Psychology, Rosemary has held various roles, including Procurement Manager for medical supplies at Centro Profesional de Diagnóstico, S.A., Clinical Psychologist at the Quinta Jornada de Orden de Malta in the Basilica of Santo Domingo, and private practice in clinical psychology. Additionally, Rosemary has experience as an administrator and partner at Corporación de Diagnósticos Médicos, S.A. Fluent in Spanish and English, Rosemary finds solace in activities such as pilates and Barre 3.

Emily

Emily López


Resource Development Manager

Emily López joined the Partner for Surgery team in April 2024, from Antigua Guatemala. Currently serving as the Resource Development Manager, Emily brings a wealth of expertise to her role.

With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Universidad Rafael Landivar and a master’s degree in Digital Marketing & Social Media from the European Business School, Emily has previously excelled as a Development and Digital Communications Manager and Awards Manager. With over four years of experience in the nonprofit sector, both nationally and internationally, Emily is fluent in English and Spanish.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Emily finds joy in traveling and staying active.

Ramiro

Ramiro Quezada


Medical Director

Ramiro Quezada has been an integral member of the Partner for Surgery team since April 2024. Hailing from Guatemala, Ramiro currently serves as the Medical Coordinator for the Nutrition Project. With a background as a Medical Doctor specialized in Pediatrics, Ramiro has previously contributed as a Health and Nutrition Specialist for UNICEF. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, Ramiro’s dedication extends beyond the professional realm, finding enjoyment in activities such as squash and biking.

Carlos-min

Carlos Alberto Páez Galindo


Director of Patient Programming

Carlos has been a valued member of the Partner for Surgery team since March 2019. Originally from Guatemala City, Guatemala, he currently serves as the Director of Patient Programming.

Carlos, a former dentist, has extensive experience in logistics and administration within health-focused NGOs, as well as in bilingual operational roles. He is fluent in both Spanish and English. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the guitar.

Carlos is deeply aligned with and empathetic to the mission and vision of the organization. His foremost priority is to act as a catalyst for change as part of the team.

Meet Our Team Members

PSF-Logo-Teal-HD

Nicolas

Nicolas Ramos


General Accountant

Nicolás Ramos joined the Partner for Surgery | Compañero para Cirugía team in November 2023. He is originally from Guatemala City and currently works as the General Accountant.

Nicolás holds a degree in Public Accounting and Auditing and has completed postgraduate studies in Financial Administration. He has worked as an Accounting Assistant at Partner for Surgery, a Financial Assistant and Internal Auditor in the Public Administration of the Government of Guatemala, particularly in entities focused on serving people with disabilities. Nicolás is fluent in Spanish and Maya Ixil. His favorite hobbies include traveling across Guatemala and enjoying the diverse regional cuisine. He is very happy to rejoin the team.

Otto

Otto Gómez


Financial Assistant

Otto Leonel Gomez Lemus has been with the Partner for Surgery | Compañero para Cirugía team since January 2023. He is from Santa Catarina Barahona, Sacatepéquez, and currently serves as the Financial Assistant in the Finance Department.

Otto is a qualified Electronics Technician and is currently a university student. He has previously worked as a Driver and IT Technician, he also has experience as a Logistics Coordinator. Otto speaks Spanish and enjoys playing soccer, chess, dancing, swimming, and spending time with his family. He is committed and filled with satisfaction to be part of the team, understanding the significant and rewarding mission of Partner for Surgery.

Irma

Irma Sabán


Operating Room Nurse

Irma Leticia Sabán Patzan has been part of the Partner for Surgery | Compañero para Cirugía team since February 2013. She is originally from San Juan Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, and currently serves as an Operating Room Nurse, supporting the IVAA program, and managing the inventory of medications and supplies.

Irma is a Medical Emergency Technician and Nursing Assistant, as well as a Volunteer Firefighter. She has worked as a Nursing Assistant at the Maternal and Child Center of Francisco Marroquín University and volunteered with the Volunteer Firefighters of Guatemala. She is fluent in Spanish and enjoys hiking, running, gardening, and traveling with her daughter. She is very happy with her work and proud to be a part of the team.

Cony

Cony Taj


Cleaning

Cornelia Taj Vigil has been a part of the Partner for Surgery | Compañero para Cirugía team since August 2009. She is originally from Antigua Guatemala and currently works in the cleaning and maintenance department.


Cony has over 40 years of experience and supports all activities to the best of her abilities. She speaks Spanish and enjoys listening to music and spending time with her family in her free time. She is happy to be part of the team, considering it her second family.

Meet Our Health Promoters

PSF-Logo-Teal-HD

Mayra Chen

Mayra Chen


 
Residence: San Juan Chamelco, Alta Verapaz
Languages: Q’eqchi’
Roles: Patient coordinator in Surgical Missions, promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program, coordinates Rural Mobile Medical Missions in Alta Verapaz.
Dina Salguero

Dina Salguero


 
Residence: San Juan Sacatepéquez, Guatemala (originally from Jutiapa)
Languages: Spanish
Roles: Patient coordinator in surgical missions, nurse in surgical missions, certified nurse in IVAA rapid testing, promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program, coordinates Rural Mobile Medical Missions in the department of Jutiapa.
Marta de la Cruz

Marta de la Cruz


 
Residence: Salamá, Baja Verapaz
Languages: Spanish, Q’eqchi’, Poqomchi’
Roles: Support, accompaniment, and translation to patients in Surgical Missions; promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program; coordinates Rural Mobile Medical Missions in Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz.
Julio Sel

Julio Sel


 
Residence: Ixcán, Quiché
Languages: Spanish, Q’eqchi’, some Poqomchi’
Roles: Nurse and promoter in Surgical Missions; promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program; coordinates Rural Mobile Medical Missions in Alta Verapaz and Quiché.
Miguel Brito

Miguel Brito


 
Residence: Nebaj, Quiché (Ixil area)
Languages: Spanish, Ixil
Roles: Promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program; coordinates Rural Mobile Medical Missions in the Ixil area of Quiché.
Surama Perez

Surama Pérez


 
Residence: Huehuetenango, Huehuetenango
Languages: Spanish
Roles: Promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program in Huehuetenango; interested in returning to support Medical and Surgical Missions.
Jandery Aguirre

Jandery Aguirre


 
Residence: Chinautla, Guatemala
Languages: Spanish
Roles: Promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program in Guatemala City area and nearby municipalities.
Zoila

Zoila Tut


 
Residence: Purulhá, Baja Verapaz
Languages: Spanish, Q’eqchi’, Poqomchi’
Roles: Promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program; support, accompaniment, and translation to patients in Surgical Missions; coordinates Rural Mobile Medical Missions in Alta Verapaz.

Angela Perez

Angela Pérez


 
Residence: San Antonio Ilotenango, Quiché
Languages: Spanish, Quiché
Roles: Promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program, supports Surgical Missions and coordinates Rural Mobile Medical Missions in Quiché, Totonicapán, and Quetzaltenango.
Adolfo

Adolfo Sis


 
Residence: San Miguel Chicaj, Baja Verapaz
Languages: Spanish, Achí
Roles: Coordinates Rural Mobile Medical Missions in Baja Verapaz.
Aleida de la Cruz

Aleida de la Cruz


 
Residence: Purulhá, Baja Verapaz
Languages: Spanish, Q’eqchi’
Roles: Supports surgical and rural Medical Missions.

Alejandra Estrada

Alejandra Estrada


 
Residence: Zone 3, Guatemala City
Languages: Spanish
Roles: Supports Surgical Missions as a promoter and nurse; supports Rural Mobile Medical Missions; occasionally assists in warehouse activities.
Clara

Clara Ponce


 
Residence: San Juan Chamelco, Alta Verapaz
Languages: Spanish, Q’eqchi’
Roles: Nurse and promoter in Surgical Missions; promoter in Rural Mobile Medical Missions.
Fabiola Tecu

Fabiola Tecú


 
Residence: Rabinal, Baja Verapaz
Languages: Spanish, some Achí
Roles: Supports surgical missions as a nurse and promoter; projected to support Rural Mobile Medical Missions.

Margarita Bin

Margarita Bin


 
Residence: Purulhá, Baja Verapaz
Languages: Spanish
Roles: Supports Surgical and Rural Mobile Medical Missions.
Marisol Canel

Marisol Canel


 
Residence: Between San Juan Sacatepéquez and San Raymundo
Languages: Spanish
Roles: Supports surgical missions as a promoter and nurse.
Angelica Gomez

Angélica Gómez


 
Residence: Alta Verapaz
Languages: Q’eqchi’, Spanish
Roles: Promoter in Surgical Missions; projected support in Rural Mobile Medical Missions.

Rosa Rosales

Rosa Rosales


 
Residence: Ciudad Vieja, Sacatepéquez
Languages: Spanish
Roles:Promoter in Surgical Missions; office support.

Board Members

PSF-Logo-Teal-HD

United States

  • Edward Butler
  • Lawrence Coleman, MD
  • Beatriz Coningham
  • McNeill Gibson, MD
  • Donald Heebner
  • Frank Peterson
  • Todd Peterson
  • Dharma Pachner
  • Patricia Van Scoyoc
  • Ellen Davis-Zapata

Guatemala

  • Jeanette Umaña, Presidenta
  • Luis Pedro Torrebiarte, Vicepresidente
  • Guillermo Gordillo, Tesorero
  • Tania Azurdia de Zedán, Secretaria
  • Roberto Leiva Ruano, Vocal I
  • Patricia Ramírez, Vocal II