Tampa, FL – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) today announced Gary Green as its new Executive Director. AAKP is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for kidney patients through education, advocacy and the fostering of patient communities.

Mr. Green comes to AAKP with a wealth of experience in the renal community. He served the National Kidney Foundation in many roles including Vice President, Founder and Director of the U.S. Transplant Games and Regional Director.

“It was an extensive search. We received applications from a diverse number of candidates with extraordinary strong skillsets,” said AAKP Board President Sam Pederson. “Gary exemplified what we were looking for – compassion for those living with a chronic illness and a passion to help them and their families build quality productive lives. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Kidney Patients, it is my pleasure to welcome Gary to the AAKP staff.”

Mr. Green most recently held the position of Director of Marketing and Development for the September 11^th Families Association – 9/11 Tribute Center where during his tenure, organizational revenue increased by more than 17 percent.

The addition of Mr. Green expands AAKP’s capacity to advance its strategy of increasing AAKP’s presence and active participation in national policy circles, serving as a strong voice and advocate for the concerns of kidney patients as well as collaborating with other organizations serving the kidney community.  Over the past several years, AAKP has conducted high-level, bi-partisan health policy forums and patient training at key venues across the country including presidential libraries.  In addition, AAKP has expanded its collaboration with other national kidney organizations including the American Nephrology Nurses Association, the Renal Physicians Association, the American Society of Nephrology, and the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, and most recently was involved in three major Capitol Hill Day events as a partner with other organizations.

“It is an honor to be joining an organization with such a rich patient advocacy history like AAKP,” said Green. “I hope to build on the amazing accomplishments the organization has achieved over the last 40 years, engaging with patients, families, health care providers and policy makers who have a shared vision of continued quality care for the nation’s kidney patients.”

Mr. Green is a graduate of The Johns Hopkins University. He will work out of AAKP’s main office in Tampa, Florida.

AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for more than 40 years, has been dedicated to improving the quality of life of kidney patients through education, advocacy and the fostering of patient communities. 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.