American Kidney Fund Names Transplant Nephrologist Dr. Silas Norman as Chair of National Board of Trustees

ROCKVILLE, Md. (March 13, 2023)  — The American Kidney Fund (AKF) announced today that Silas Norman, MD, MPH, a transplant nephrologist at the University of Michigan who has been instrumental in helping the organization develop its patient and provider education programming, has been named Chair of AKF's national volunteer Board of Trustees.

AKF also announced the appointment today of three new members to its national Board of Trustees:

• Lydia H. Landesberg, a longtime community volunteer and advocate for kidney patients
• Katie Spillane, CPA, chief financial officer at Catholic Charities USA and nonprofit executive
• Marsha R. Stanton, PhD, RN, a consultant and health care executive with considerable experience in medical education, alliance development and advocacy in the pain management field  

"We are so pleased to have Dr. Norman take on the role of chair of our Board of Trustees. His contributions to the nephrology field are extensive and his ongoing work to improve access to transplantation is commendable," said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. "I'm also happy to welcome three dedicated women who are lending their considerable talents and expertise to our national Board of Trustees. We look forward to collaborating with our new and current members, who are united in their commitment to fighting on all fronts on behalf of the millions of people affected by kidney disease."

Norman, who has served on AKF's board for five years, takes over for outgoing chair Maureen Nugent Franco. William Schuyler was named chair-elect of the board. 

AKF maintains high standards of independence for its non-compensated Board of Trustees, aligning with the organization's deep commitment to transparency and accountability. An independent group of volunteers from a broad range of professional backgrounds make up the board. The complete list of trustees and officers, along with their biographies, can be found on AKF's website.