October 12, 2023 - Each year, Renal Healthcare Association (RHA) recognizes excellence in the dialysis industry by presenting the Mark Zawiski Award to someone who has exemplified outstanding leadership in the kidney and dialysis industry. We are honored to present the 2023 Mark Zawiski Award for Outstanding Leadership to Karen Kelley, MHA, BSN, RN, CNN. 

With over 38 years of professional experience, 23 years in nephrology leadership, Karen serves as a role model throughout the industry and truly embodies the RHA’s mission and the leadership legacy of Mark Zawiski. She has been a long-standing member of RHA and served on the Board of Directors as the 2016-2017 President and a Director for several terms. 

Being from a rural area that often struggles to meet the needs of the patients, Karen is acutely aware of the challenges faced by independent and hospital-based dialysis facilities. As an active community member, Karen has worked tirelessly to bring and maintain services locally. She also serves as a volunteer nurse in her community. 

Karen brings her passion for networking and engaging people to the RHA community. She has volunteered countless hours on the Quality Committee, Education Council, and Governance Committees. Karen is a well-known resource of knowledge and demonstrates a strong commitment to professional development. In 2016, Karen was a founding member of the CDC Making Dialysis Safer for Patients Coalition. This can be particularly seen through her dedication and expertise applied to RHA’s Core Curriculum for Renal Healthcare Administrators, released earlier this year. Karen’s active contribution to the industry parallels the RHA’s mission to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.

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 with the 2023 Mark Zawiski Award for Outstanding Leadership.  

This award is named after Mark Zawiski, a dialysis facility administrator who tirelessly worked on behalf of dialysis patients and associations supporting independent dialysis providers. 

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About the Renal Healthcare Association

Since 1977, the Renal Healthcare Association has supported independent and community-based dialysis providers to build a stronger community. The Renal Healthcare Association fulfills its mission through education, advocacy, and services that support renal healthcare excellence. For more information, visit www.RenalHealthcare.org