Tampa, Fla., February 5, 2009 – The Board of Directors of the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) announced the selection of Kim Buettner as its new Executive Director. Buettner has served as the Association’s Acting Executive Director since the resignation of Kris Robinson. Robinson led the organization for 18 years before resigning on September 29, 2008.

Ms. Buettner has served in multiple capacities with AAKP for more than 10 years. In her new role, Ms. Buettner is responsible for the formulation of the Association’s mission, goals, objectives and related policies. Ms. Buettner originally joined AAKP in 1994 and for five years served as the Communications Director. In 1999, she explored opportunities with KidsGrowth.com, a Web site partnership with Pediatric Health Alliance, LLC, the largest pediatric medical group on the West Coast of Florida. For six years, Ms. Buettner was responsible for managing and developing five company Web sites in addition to numerous patient and parent education programs. In 2005, she rejoined AAKP as the Program Director and in 2007 was promoted to Assistant Director.

“I was drawn to the Association because of its commitment to patients, its mission and its rich history in the kidney community,” stated Buettner. “AAKP’s mission, values and reputation as being the leader in kidney patient education are compatible with my own values and skills. I look forward to continuing in the foot steps of past AAKP leaders of helping all kidney patients be the leaders of their health care.”

“Kim possesses the skills, passion and vision the AAKP Board of Directors and I are looking for in a leader for the Association,” said AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “Her comprehension of the Association’s mission, track record of successful patient education programs and compassion for kidney patients are valued assets.”

Ms. Buettner volunteers for the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, the only Florida-based cancer center with the NCI designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, and is co-chair of its Patient Family Advisory Council.

Ms. Buettner graduated the University of South Florida with a double B.A. degree in Journalism and Public Relations. For more information on the American Association of Kidney Patients and Kim Buettner, call 800-749-AAKP or visit www.aakp.org.  

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AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for 40 years, has been dedicated to improving the lives of fellow kidney patients and their families by helping them deal with the physical, emotional and social impact of kidney disease. The programs offered by AAKP inform and inspire patients and their families to better understand their condition, adjust more readily to their circumstances, and assume more normal, productive lives in their communities.