Karen E. Ryals was named the Executive Director of the American Association of Kidney Patients in August 2010. She recommends and participates in board formulation of the Association's mission, goals, objectives and related policies. Ms. Ryals is responsible for the effective management of the AAKP National Office. 

Prior to joining AAKP, Ms. Ryals worked for the United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay, Inc. D.B.A. Achieve Tampa Bay, where she held many roles, including Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director and Director of Program Services & Consulting. Ms. Ryals hold a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology & Audiology from the University of Florida and a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Florida State University. She’s also served as an Executive Committee Member of the Children’s Cancer Center in Tampa, Leadership Tampa, and the St. Joseph’s Hospital Quality Review Board.

Ms. Ryals represents AAKP and speaks on numerous patient education topics to regional and national medical and patient groups. Ms. Ryals can be contacted at kryals@aakp.org.