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
Jill M. Schaaf
President
Jill Schaaf is the former president of Baxter's renal business. She received her B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and M.B.A. from Washington University.
Jill is the chair of BAXPAC, Baxter’s political action committee. She is also on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross Greater Chicago.
Brian O'Dea
Vice 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.
Dr. Tipu Puri
Immediate Past President
Tipu Puri is a member of the Nephrology Faculty at The University of Chicago. He received his M.D. and Ph.D. from Northwestern University. Tipu was an NKFI grant recipient in 2006 which he used to investigate susceptibility to development and progression of CKD.
Susan Sullivan
Treasurer
Susan Sullivan is a healthcare actuary at United Healthcare. She lives in Chicago with her husband and is a proud aunt to seven nieces and nephews. She has a personal connection to the mission after receiving a kidney from her sister.
Pam McElvane
Secretary
Pam McElvane is the current CEO (Chief Engagement Officer) of P&L Group Holding Company, which manages three brands that provide talent management and DEI strategies from Fortune 10 to Fortune 1000 companies, and large to mid-size privately held organizations. She is married with three boys.
Dr. Suneel Udani
Professional Advisory Board Chair
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.
trustees & directors
dedicated to making a difference
Board of Directors
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Curt Anliker | National Dialysis Accreditation Commission
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Andrew J. Aronson, MD, MBA, MPH
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Divya Jain Arwindekar, DO | Loyola University Medical Center
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Melanie Betz, MS, RD, CSR, CSG, FAND | ICRN Chair
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Gavin Campbell | Baxter International Inc.
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James Easterbrook | Fresenius
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Gregory Kent | Red Bull
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Holly Mattix-Kramer, MD, MPH | Loyola University Medical Center
- Pamela A. McElvane, MBA, MA, PCC | Diversity MBA Media
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Deepak Mital, MD, MBA, FACS, FRCS | Advocate Christ Medical Center
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Juan Morado, Jr. | Benesch
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Brian O'Dea | Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana
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Shauna Phillips, LCSW | ICNSW Chair
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Tipu Puri, MD, PhD | University of Chicago Medicine
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Jill Schaaf
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Mike Schrader | NxStage
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Mark Schwartz | Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
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Andres Serrano, MD | Mount Sinai Hospital
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Robyn Sexton, MBA | Phabulous Foods, LLC
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Dinee Simpson, MD | Northwestern Memorial Hospital
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Kareen Simpson, MD | Associates in Nephrology
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Susan V. Sullivan | United Healthcare
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Haley Collins Stutts | Kellogg Board Fellow
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Amanda Tilton, DNP, MSN, MBA, RN | Bayada Home Health Care
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Suneel Udani, MD | Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana
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Kristin Martin Uebel, MBA, MM, HEA, BSN, RN, CNN | ICNNT Chair
Lifetime Trustees
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Darlene & Carl Chaleff
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Sandy Kagan-Angell
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Richard Noel
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Rosann Noel (1932-2018)
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Alyta & Ronald Ian Reicin
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Marlene Nortman Rubenstein
