Our team
Our leadership and staff are committed to changing the picture for more than 35 million people living with kidney disease. We leverage professional knowledge and talent from the medical and nonprofit communities — as well as the public sector and private sectors — to connect kidney patients with the support they need and the hope they deserve.
Our Board of Trustees sets AKF's strategic direction and provides appropriate oversight to ensure that we have the plans and the resources in place to carry out our important work.
Under the leadership of President and CEO LaVarne A. Burton, our Executive Team brings an unwavering focus to the management of AKF, ensuring the organization delivers programs and services that are effective and that meet the evolving needs of patients.
Our Leadership Team turns AKF's values into action: putting patients first, leading with integrity, being a valued partner, promoting team excellence and increasing awareness of kidney disease.
At a Glance: Our Impact in 2024
Nearly 700,000 professionals, kidney patients and advocates were educated through activities such as Kidney Health Coach sessions, continuing medical education and webinars.
1,673 low-income dialysis patients had kidney transplants and post-transplant care with AKF's financial support in 2025, representing about 6% of all kidney transplants performed in the U.S.
AKF provided over $16,000 in disaster relief grants to people with kidney failure who were affected by wildfires in southern California and flooding in Texas and Washington State.
8,000+ Kidney Health Coaches have been trained to date to spread the word about kidney disease prevention, early detection and management worldwide.
Fighting on all fronts
From prevention and research through treatment and transplant, we are dedicated to making sure kidney patients have someone fighting by their side.