Akebia Therapeutics Appoints Ron Frieson, Healthcare Operations Leader, to Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

Akebia Therapeutics announced the appointment of Ron Frieson to its Board of Directors, enhancing the company's focus on improving patient outcomes in kidney disease. Frieson, currently COO at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare and public policy. His expertise in health equity and access is viewed as crucial for Akebia's mission. CEO John P. Butler expressed confidence in Frieson's ability to drive operational improvements and address healthcare disparities, especially impacting underserved populations.

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• Ron Frieson's extensive experience in healthcare operations is expected to enhance Akebia's leadership and operational effectiveness.
• Frieson's focus on health equity aligns with Akebia's mission to serve underserved populations affected by kidney disease.

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• None.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Akebia Therapeutics^®, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company with the purpose to better the lives of people impacted by kidney disease, today announced the appointment of Ron Frieson to its Board of Directors. Frieson currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), a non-profit corporation whose mission focuses on bettering all aspects of children's healthcare.

"We are thrilled to welcome Ron to Akebia's Board of Directors and believe his experience driving improved patient outcomes and enabling access to healthcare for underserved populations will bring tremendous value to the Board," said John P. Butler, Chief Executive Officer, Akebia Therapeutics. "Ron's broad overall business experience strengthens our leadership capabilities. In addition, as kidney disease disproportionately impacts people of color, Ron's experience driving health equity in public policy and patient access will be critical expertise as Akebia works toward a brighter future for all people impacted by kidney disease." 

Mr. Frieson has more than 20 years of experience managing business operations across a variety of sectors and geographies including healthcare, telecommunications and public policy. He held several leadership roles at CHOA before assuming his current role of COO, including President, Foundation and External Affairs, and Chief Public Policy Officer. Throughout his time with the organization, Mr. Frieson has been instrumental in improving Medicaid funding, increasing annual fundraising, and assessing the impact of the Affordable Care Act on pediatric healthcare systems.

"Having spent over a decade fully immersed in healthcare system operations, I appreciate the complexities of access to care and the collaboration necessary to advance care," said Mr. Frieson. "I am honored to join the Board of Directors for Akebia, a company that is truly committed to patients."

Mr. Frieson was a past chair and member of the American Kidney Fund's Board of Trustees. Prior to joining CHOA, Mr. Frieson was the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlanta Urban League and formerly served as the Chief Diversity Officer of BellSouth Corporation (acquired by AT&T Inc. in 2006) where he created the Office of Diversity.

About Akebia Therapeutics
Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company with the purpose to better the lives of people impacted by kidney disease. The company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit our website at www.akebia.com, which does not form a part of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: changes bringing value to the Company and Mr. Frieson's ability to influence the same. The terms "expect," "will," "confident," "expect," "plan," "continue," "potential," and similar references are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements are not historical facts, but instead represent only Akebia's beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Akebia's control. For a discussion of the risks related to the forward-looking statements in this press release see the "Risk Factors" section in Akebia's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, and other filings that Akebia may make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in the future. These forward-looking statements (except as otherwise noted) speak only as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, Akebia does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release. 

Akebia Therapeutics® is a registered trademark of Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.

Akebia Media Contact
Mercedes Carrasco
mcarrasco@akebia.com  

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SOURCE Akebia Therapeutics

FAQ

Who is Ron Frieson and what is his role at Akebia Therapeutics?

Ron Frieson is the newly appointed member of Akebia Therapeutics' Board of Directors, bringing significant experience from his role as COO of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

What is the expected impact of Ron Frieson's appointment on Akebia Therapeutics?

Frieson's appointment is expected to strengthen leadership capabilities and enhance the company's focus on health equity in addressing kidney disease.

When was the appointment of Ron Frieson announced?

The appointment of Ron Frieson was announced on November 1, 2021.

What are the key experiences that Ron Frieson brings to Akebia Therapeutics?

Frieson brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare operations and public policy, having previously improved Medicaid funding and patient access.