DaVita Inc. announced today that Tom Kelly, 52, has joined DaVita, Inc. as Executive Vice President.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020729/DAVITALOGO )

Prior to joining DaVita, Mr. Kelly served as Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Health Plans, Inc. (MHP), which he helped form in 1994. Under Mr. Kelly's leadership the health plan grew from a start up to over 230,000 members and $600 million in revenue. Prior to joining MHP, Tom was the National Director -- Healthcare for KPMG LLP specializing in professional advisory services to hospitals, physicians groups, health maintenance organizations and other providers of healthcare services. Mr. Kelly earned a Masters of Science degree in Accounting from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies from Wesleyan University.

Kent Thiry, DaVita Chairman and CEO stated, "Tom brings a wealth of healthcare executive experience to DaVita and we look forward to the contributions he will make to our management team."

DaVita contracted with Hudson Highland Partners to assist the company in identifying possible candidates.

DaVita is a leading provider of dialysis services for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure. The Company operates and provides administrative services to kidney dialysis centers and home peritoneal dialysis programs domestically in 34 states, as well as Washington, D.C. As of December 31, 2003, DaVita operates or provides administrative services to 566 outpatient facilities serving 48,500 patients.

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SOURCE: DaVita Inc.