UTC Chief Executive Richard Nelson Joins PKD Foundation Board of Directors

“I’m enthused to serve on the Board of this visionary yet results-oriented organization that is expanding the frontiers of research, diagnosis and treatment for this life-threatening genetic disease,” said Mr. Nelson. “It is a genuine honor to contribute to the mission of extending and improving the lives of the patients and family members impacted by PKD.”

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is one of the world’s most common, life-threatening genetic diseases, affecting 600,000-plus people in the U.S. and 12.5 million worldwide. In fact, in the U.S., more people have PKD than cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, muscular dystrophy, Down’s syndrome and Huntington’s Disease – COMBINED! PKD causes fluid-filled cysts to grow on the kidneys, which eventually cause kidney failure. At present there is no cure for PKD; transplantation and dialysis are the only treatments.

The PKD Foundation is a global non-profit organization that combats PKD through active research, education, public awareness and advocacy.

“Richard is an extraordinary community builder and leader, with intelligence, passion and a proven ability to build and leverage relationships,” said Dan Larson, president and CEO of the PKD Foundation. “His addition to our Board of Trustees will have a profound impact on the Foundation and the people we serve; I am thrilled to have the chance to work more closely with him.”

During his tenure at UTC, he has helped oversee the creation of the $300 million Utah Fund of Funds and the Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative, as well as the successful merger of Utah’s leading IT and life science organizations into the current UTC organization. In addition to his UTC role, Mr. Nelson has also served nationally as chairman and CEO of the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA). He has served on numerous boards and leadership committees for organizations ranging from the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development to the Utah Fund of Funds, Economic Development Corporation of Utah, the University of Utah’s College of Engineering Advisory Board, World Trade Center Utah, BYU’s Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship and the National Summit on Personalized Health Care. A father of one daughter and four sons, he is also a kidney transplant survivor with personal experience combating PKD and its effects.

About Utah Technology Council

Utah’s premier professional association, the Utah Technology Council, has become the essential business resource for life science and high-tech companies seeking to achieve greater success. At its core, UTC exists to foster the Growth of the state’s over 5,000 technology companies, ensure Utah develops the highest Quality Workforce in the nation, and attract an ever-increasing array of Funding. Members join UTC to share insights with industry peers, counsel with government and academic leaders, and receive help from professional service providers and funding resources. To become a member of this “must join” organization, visit www.utahtechcouncil.org or call 801-568-3500 today.

About the PKD Foundation

The PKD Foundation is the only worldwide organization dedicated to fighting polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The mission of the PKD Foundation is to: “Promote programs of research, advocacy, education, support and awareness in order to discover treatments and a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease and improve the lives of all it affects.” The PKD Foundation funds millions annually in vital PKD research and lobbies the federal government for additional funds. The PKD Foundation also provides a forum for patients, family and friends through more than 70 volunteer-led chapters across the U.S. and the world. It also holds the annual Walk for PKD and the National Convention on PKD, the only conference in the world for PKD patients and medical professionals. The PKD Foundation was established in 1982 and is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo. For more information, visit www.PKDCure.org.

Utah Technology Council
Judy Young, 801-568-3500
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Cheryl Snapp Conner
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