The NRAA Mark Zawiski Award for Outstanding Leadership recognizes excellence in the dialysis industry and is presented annually to an individual who has exemplified great leadership to the kidney and dialysis industry. The candidates of this award serve as examples to their colleagues and are known for their efforts made to the business aspects of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and dialysis.
This award is named after Mark Zawiski, a dialysis facility administrator renowned for his tireless work on behalf of dialysis patients and the associations that support independent dialysis providers. Mark started his career in the renal industry while attending night school and later served as a patient care technician. He worked his way through college and graduate school as a dialysis technician, and went on to earn his MBA. He worked his way up in the renal industry to the level of facility administrator for several dialysis facilities in the Miami area and became the administrator for two facilities in the Miami area.
Mark excelled in volunteering many hours as President of the Florida Renal Administrators Association (FRAA) and it wasn't long before he started participating in the NRAA. He served as President of the FRAA and as a Director and then Treasurer for the NRAA. He was a frequent presenter at FRAA and NRAA educational events, graciously sharing his experience and skills to help facilities improve their operations while remaining committed to patient care. He established a working relationship with the Florida Intermediary which allowed the FRAA to become a resource to the Intermediary. He was also instrumental, along with Jeff Lehman, in working with HCFA (CMS predecessor) in establishing and updating the Medicare Cost Report on behalf of the NRAA.
Mark tragically and suddenly passed away at an early age, leaving behind a wife and two young children, and a legacy of service and dedication to the ESRD and dialysis community. He was a friend and supporter of many in the industry. His support locally and nationally is the underlying reason for this award.
