TAMPA, FLA; August 18, 2010 –The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of the nation’s kidney patients, today announced the appointment of its new Executive Director. Karen Ryals was selected following an extensive and thorough executive search.

“Karen Ryals is the ideal person to lead the American Association of Kidney Patients into the future,” stated AAKP President Carolyn Price. “Her depth of experience within the non-profit sector combined with successful fund development strategies and strong commitment to patient services and patient advocacy will help support our efforts to meet the growing educational and patient advocacy needs in the kidney community.”

Prior to joining AAKP, Ms. Ryals worked for the United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay, Inc. D.B.A. Achieve Tampa Bay, where she had many roles, including Chief Executive Office, Executive Director and Director of Program Services & Consulting. “The American Association of Kidney Patients has a history of meeting the needs of our nation’s kidney patients and their families, enriching their lives through education and advocacy,” said Ryals. “I am honored to have been chosen to lead this organization which has contributed so much to the nation’s chronically ill people, and to have the opportunity to take it to new levels in patient services and community outreach.”

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.

To speak with Ms. Ryals or for more information about the American Association of Kidney Patients, please call (800) 749-2257 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.