Zawiski Award for Leadership

Renal Healthcare Association proudly presents the
2023 Mark Zawiski Award for Outstanding Leadership to
Karen Kelley, MHA, BSN, RN, CNN

Each year RHA recognizes one dedicated individual who is a thought leader in the kidney care industry by honoring them with the Mark Zawiski Award for Outstanding Leadership. These leaders go above and beyond the call of duty, face challenges head-on, and put the interests of patients and their communities above their own. Consider nominating an individual who has made great strides and exemplifies the spirit of Mark Zawiski, an advocate and industry leader for independent dialysis providers.

With over 38 years of professional experience and 23 years in nephrology leadership, Karen Kelley serves as a role model throughout the industry and truly embodies the RHA’s mission and the leadership legacy of Mark Zawiski. A passionate and inclusive leader, Karen proves that one can represent a small, rural area and make a significant impact through a national association. She is a force in the industry, and it is an honor to award her the 2023 Mark Zawiski Award for Outstanding Leadership. 

Read the full press release here.

About Mark Zawiski

This award is named after Mark Zawiski, a dialysis facility administrator renowned for his tireless work on behalf of dialysis patients and the associations that support independent dialysis providers. Mark started his career in the renal industry while attending night school and later served as a patient care technician. He worked his way through college and graduate school as a dialysis technician, and went on to earn his MBA. He worked his way up in the renal industry to the level of facility administrator for several dialysis facilities in the Miami area and became the administrator for two facilities in the Miami area.

Mark excelled in volunteering many hours as President of the Florida Renal Administrators Association (FRAA) and it wasn't long before he started participating in the Renal Healthcare Association (known as NRAA at the time). He served as President of the FRAA and as a Director and then Treasurer for the Renal Healthcare Association. He was a frequent presenter at FRAA and NRAA educational events, graciously sharing his experience and skills to help facilities improve their operations while remaining committed to patient care. He established a working relationship with the Florida Intermediary which allowed the FRAA to become a resource to the Intermediary. He was also instrumental, along with Jeff Lehman, in working with HCFA (CMS predecessor) in establishing and updating the Medicare Cost Report on behalf of the Renal Healthcare Association.

Mark tragically and suddenly passed away at an early age, leaving behind a wife and two young children, and a legacy of service and dedication to the ESRD and dialysis community. He was a friend and supporter of many in the industry. His support locally and nationally is the underlying reason for this award.

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