Greenwich Resident Is Named CEO of National Kidney Foundation

Greenwich resident Kevin Longino can now take the word ‘interim’ out of his title after he was unanimously approved as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), by the agency’s Board of Directors.

Longino, himself a kidney transplant recipient, had been serving as interim CEO since March.

In the past six months, Longino has championed renewed investment in research, programs to improve the early diagnosis of kidney disease, and new initiatives aimed at reducing the wait list for organs, according to the organization. “The decision by the Board of Directors is an indication that these priorities will become cornerstones for the organization in the years to come,” the organization said in a statement.

“Our core commitment will always be to patients,” Longino said. “But as we evolve as an organization, we believe that one of the best ways to serve patients is to invest in the early diagnosis of kidney disease, to provide educational tools and resources for professionals, and to support research that has the potential to reduce the burden of kidney disease in the future.”

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As the third generation in his family to develop kidney disease, and as a transplant recipient, Longino has a deep and personal understanding of kidney disease and the importance of prevention, early detection, and better patient care. Longino said his personal experience dealing with the difficulties of living with end-stage renal disease and life post-transplant ignited his passion for raising awareness of kidney disease and organ donation.

“Twenty-six million Americans are at risk for kidney disease, and most don’t know it,” Longino said. “It’s more important than ever that we raise awareness about kidney disease. We must educate those at risk about the importance of early detection in order to help people protect their kidney health and prevent further damage. Left unchecked and untreated, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant.”

Longino served on the national Board of Directors since 2011 and is also a member of NKF’s Executive and Development Committees, and is a board advisor for NKF’s new CKD Intercept initiative aimed at reaching primary care physicians.

Longino’s background is in the technology sector where he worked at Compaq Computer Corporation and subsequently as an advisor and angel investor to startup companies.

Longino earned a post-graduate Diploma in Financial Strategy from Oxford University in 2013, and holds an MBA and a BS in Marketing from Louisiana Tech University, awarded in 1985 and 1982, respectively.

“Kevin’s background in the world of start-ups and technology has helped shape his innovative thinking, which will serve NKF well as we take our established educational and programmatic efforts to the next level,” NKF Chairman Gregory Scott said in a statement.

For more information about the kidney foundation, visit www.kidney.org.

Contributed photo: Kevin Longino.