DENVER, May 17, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Bridge of Life-DaVita Medical Missions(TM), a non-profit organization founded by DaVita Inc. that focuses on bringing life-saving dialysis to developing countries, today announced that it has named Lori Vaclavik as its new executive director.
In her new role, Vaclavik oversees all Bridge of Life operations, including partner selection, fundraising, mission success and partner sustainability. She will work closely with corporate sponsors and lead the organization in expanding access to care for chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease patients in developing countries.
"I can imagine few things more important than helping people lead healthy and productive lives. That's why it is such an honor to join the Bridge of Life team and their mission to bring life-saving kidney care to people in underserved communities throughout the world," said Vaclavik.
Vaclavik has 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, most recently as vice president of Development and Community Relations for Project C.U.R.E., where she managed national fundraising activities.
Prior to joining Project C.U.R.E, Vaclavik worked for Habitat for Humanity International as a global engagement officer, through which she executed a national strategy to grow the organization's partnerships with 84 developing countries. She also served as the executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, where she led fundraising, communications, volunteer outreach and community relations activities for 12 years. During her tenure, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver was selected as "National Affiliate of the Year" from more than 1,200 affiliates.
"Leading the Bridge of Life over the past five years has been extremely rewarding for me and I am thrilled with the work we've done to bring dialysis services to areas that otherwise would be left with nowhere to turn," said outgoing Bridge of Life Executive Director Ginny Mello. "I'm confident I'm leaving the organization in highly capable hands. I will continue to serve on the board of directors and support the organization in advocating for bringing kidney care services to the underserved in developing countries."
About Bridge of Life--DaVita Medical Missions
Bridge of Life--DaVita Medical Missions, a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded, focused on efforts to improve the quality of life for those in underserved communities both locally and throughout the world. Bridge of Life - DaVita Medical Missions works in conjunction with its local partners to establish dialysis facilities, train local staff and pre-screen local residents for chronic kidney disease (CKD). For more information on Bridge of Life--DaVita Medical Missions' programs, please visit www.bridgeoflifemm.org.
About DaVita
DaVita Inc., a Fortune 500(R) company, is a leading provider of kidney care in the United States, delivering dialysis services and education to patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. As of March 31, 2011, DaVita operated or provided administrative services at 1,642 dialysis facilities, serving approximately 128,000 patients. DaVita develops, participates in and donates to numerous programs dedicated to transforming communities and creating positive, sustainable change for children, families and our environment. The company's leadership development initiatives and corporate social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune, Modern Healthcare,Newsweek and WorldBlu, among others. For more information, please visit www.davita.com.
SOURCE: DaVita Inc.
DaVita Inc. Vince Hancock, 303-405-2272 Vince.hancock@davita.com or Bridge of Life--DaVita Medical Missions Ginny Mello Ginny.mello@bridgeoflifemm.org