board of directors

The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois' board of directors is a made up of forward-thinking business leaders, medical professionals, and community-minded Illinois residents who are deeply committed to making the NKFI's vision of a healthier future into a reality.

Their determination to educate and empower families battling kidney disease plays a crucial role in the NKFI's work, and we are truly grateful for their efforts.

executive committee

leaders in the fight for a healthier future

Curt Anliker

President

Curt Anliker is a Co-Founder of NDAC and serves as Chief Executive Officer. Throughout his career in dialysis, Curt has developed, launched and led a variety of dialysis businesses including outpatient clinics and home dialysis programs, dialysis support companies, acute dialysis programs, and physician joint ventures. Curt holds a B.S. degree in Engineering from Purdue University.

Dr. Suneel Udani

Vice President

Dr. Suneel Udani is an Internal Medicine physician at Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana who specializes in Nephrology with focused training in Nephrotic Syndrome. He is well-known for his specialty expertise. His clinical research experience includes collaborative studies and published articles related to glomerular diseases, like FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome.

Brian O'Dea

Immediate Past President

Brian O’Dea is CEO for NANI (Nephrology Associate of Northern Illinois/Indiana). Brian received his B.A. from the University of Illinois and M.B.A. from DePaul University. He and his wife Tammi have three sons, and live in the western suburbs, and also have a home in Chicago.

Mark Schwartz

Treasurer

Mark is a Managing Director in Wealth Management who has helped clients navigate market cycles during his more than 30 years in the industry. Mark serves on the advisory board of the Tulane University College of Liberal Arts. He earned his Bachelor degree in Political Science from Tulane University and a J.D from the DePaul University College of Law. His parents were among the founding members of NKFI.

Mandy Tilton

Secretary

Amanda “Mandy” Tilton is the Chief Nursing Officer at U.S. Renal Care. Before joining U.S. Renal Care, Mandy spent 20 years at DaVita, ultimately serving as their Chief Nursing Officer, and earlier holding numerous roles in centers including Patient Care Technician, Charge Nurse, and Facility Administrator. Most recently, Mandy was the Chief Nursing Officer for BAYADA Home Health Care.

Mandy received her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and her Master’s in Business Administration, Master’s in Nursing, and Bachelor’s in Nursing from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois where she currently serves as adjunct faculty for the University.

Benjamin Ko, MD

Professional Advisory Board Chair

Dr. Benjamin S. Ko is a nephrologist in Chicago, Illinois and is affiliatedwith University of Chicago Medical Center. He received his medical degree from University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago and has been in practice for more than 20 years.