NEWS MEDIA RELEASE

Rare Kidney Disease Foundation

December 9, 2024

For more information: Sharon McGroder, Ph.D. | [email protected]

The Rare Kidney Disease Foundation (RKDF), a patient-driven, patient-focused non-profit organization that supports and advocates for families impacted by ADTKD (Autosomal Dominant Tubulointerstitial Kidney Disease), a rare genetic cause of chronic kidney disease, has named Sharon McGroder, Ph.D., as its new Executive Director.

“Sharon has been an indispensable volunteer for RKDF, from leading the website overhaul to helping shape the foundation’s strategic priorities for 2025, and I am thrilled that she has agreed to serve as RKDF’s Executive Director,” reports Richard Nelson, Chairman and Co-Founder of the RKDF. “Her strong organizational and communication skills, can-do attitude, and passion for RKDF’s mission will accelerate the foundation’s efforts to find patients for an upcoming clinical trial of promising treatments that may halt ADTKD.”

“As a patient and a mother, Sharon understands the urgency of finding a safe and effective treatment for ADTKD. I look forward to working with her and the rest of the fantastic team at RKDF to achieve this mutual goal,” remarks Dr. Anna Greka of the Broad Institute at MIT and Harvard and Chair of RKDF’s National Scientific Advisory Board.

“I am honored to serve as executive director of this critically important organization. ADTKD is the second most prevalent genetic kidney disease in the US, and yet, this set of diseases is not widely known in the medical community nor among kidney patients. As a MUC1 patient, I am committed to RKDF’s mission to raise awareness, further build the ADTKD community, and find patients for a clinical trial in the near future. We need to stop this disease from further ravaging families across generations," Sharon explained.

Sharon has a master’s degree in public policy, a Ph.D. in human development and family studies, and an extensive background in leadership, strategic planning, data analysis, and writing. Sharon resides outside Washington DC with her family and their dog.

As Executive Director, Sharon will be responsible for creating partnerships and relationships within the kidney disease community. Her duties also include executing on the board’s strategic plan and managing operations to ensure that RKDF remains mission-focused and achieves results. Sharon began her new role for the foundation on December 5, 2024.