Mary Kay Hensley, MS, RDN, LD FAND, FNKF
This prestigious award is presented by the Council of Renal Nutrition (CRN) and was established to recognize an exceptional and dedicated healthcare professional whose extraordinary leadership in the kidney care community has profoundly advanced the mission of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). It is presented to an individual who has made significant, sustained contributions to the fight against preventable kidney disease and elevated the dignity and quality of care for kidney patients. Through their longstanding dedication, they have exemplified the highest standards of excellence and contributed to their field through action in advocacy, patient care and volunteerism.
During her more than 45-year career, Mary Kay Hensley witnessed and contributed to many advances in nutrition care for patients preparing for dialysis, receiving dialysis, or undergoing transplantation in hospital and clinic settings. A member of the Council on Renal Nutrition since 1977, she has held multiple leadership positions, including two terms as Chairperson. In 1990, she spearheaded the transformation of the CRN Quarterly newsletter into the Journal of Renal Nutrition (JRN). She has served on the journal’s Editorial Board and currently serves as Associate Editor, managing its Continuing Professional Education Program. Thirty-seven years after its launch, JRN remains a leading journal for nephrology nutrition research.
Mary Kay is also proud of her role in developing materials for the Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition examination, beginning in 1989. She also held other elected positions in the Renal Dietetic Practice Group, the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism, and the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana.
Mary Kay extends her gratitude to the many professional colleagues, including those from around the world, whose collaboration and support enriched her career in countless ways.
