TAMPA, Fla.—The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) has added Arkansas District 45 State Rep. Linda Tyler to its National Board of Directors.
“The AAKP Board of Directors is looking for leaders who we think will provide the organization with a diversity of experience and opinions,” stated AAKP President Carolyn Price. “After an extensive search, we determined Representative Tyler was the best candidate because of her proven leadership skills, broad managements experience and her commitment to the kidney community.”
Tyler is an Arkansas business woman who started her career in personnel management for Carrier Air Conditioning, United Technologies and United Broadcasting Corporation. She spent the bulk of her career as a senior Organizational Development leader at Acxiom Corporation.
Her daughter Melissa was diagnosed with kidney disease at age 12. By age 19 her kidneys had completely failed. Tyler was able to donate a kidney, giving Melissa, a chance at a life without a dialysis machine. “It is a privilege to be a part of an organization whose mission is to empower patients to be the leaders of their care. I hope to use my skills to raise the nation’s consciousness of kidney and the plight of individuals and families dealing with this chronic illness,” stated Tyler.
The AAKP National Board of Directors is responsible for establishing goals and policies for the Association. In addition, board members are responsible for attending three meetings per year, which may require travel, participation in conference calls and committee membership. In keeping with the bylaws of the Association, more than 50 percent of the National Board of Directors must be comprised of kidney disease patients including chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, dialysis patients and transplant recipients. The president must also be a patient.
