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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

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Brian O'Dea

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.

Curt Anliker

Curt Anliker

Vice 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.

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Jill M. Schaaf

Immediate Past 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.

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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.

Jim Easterbrook

Jim Easterbroook

Secretary

Jim is the Senior Director of Business Development at Fresenius Kidney Care. He's passionate about reaching those at risk for developing kidney disease long before treatment is required through creative outreach and marketing solutions. He's a Bradley University graduate and the proud father of a beautiful rescue dog. 

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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

  • Curt Anliker National Dialysis Accreditation Commission

  • Andrew J. Aronson, MD, MBA, MPH

  • Gavin Campbell  |  Baxter International Inc.

  • James Easterbrook | Fresenius

  • Divya Jain, DO  Loyola University Medical Center

  • Gregory Kent | Red Bull

  • Holly Mattix-Kramer, MD, MPH  | Loyola University Medical Center

  • Pamela A. McElvane, MBA, MA, PCC | Diversity MBA Media
  • Deepak Mital, MD, MBA, FACS, FRCS | UI Health

  • Juan Morado, Jr. | Benesch

  • Brian O'Dea | Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana

  • Tipu Puri, MD, PhD | University of Chicago Medicine

  • Jill Schaaf

  • Mike Schrader  |  NxStage

  • Mark Schwartz  |  Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

  • Andres Serrano, MD  |  Mount Sinai Hospital

  • Robyn Sexton, MBA | Phabulous Foods, LLC

  • Kareen Simpson, MD  |  Associates in Nephrology

  • Susan V. Sullivan  |  United Healthcare

  • Amanda Tilton, DNP, MSN, MBA, RN | Bayada Home Health Care

  • Suneel Udani, MD | Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana

Lifetime Trustees

  • Darlene & Carl Chaleff

  • Sandy Kagan-Angell

  • Richard Noel

  • Rosann Noel (1932-2018)

  • Alyta & Ronald Ian Reicin

  • Marlene Nortman Rubenstein

team kidney

we're powered by your passion

leadership & staff

The NKFI is led by an innovative troop of professionals who are intensely devoted to improving the lives of families affected by kidney disease.

giving societies

Members of the NKFI Giving Societies demonstrate remarkable support for kidney health, and play a crucial role in our work.

medical advisors

A select team of medical advisors offers the NKFI scientific and clinical expertise, and helps us plan our research initiatives.

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