Title: President
Company: Uriel E. Owens Sickle Cell Disease Association of the Midwest
Location: Kansas City, Missiouri, United States
Kevin Paul Wake, M.S., CHW, president of Uriel E. Owens Sickle Cell Disease Association of the Midwest, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in the nonprofit sector.
With over two decades of experience, Mr. Wake has built a successful career focused on sickle cell disease, specializing in sales and marketing. He currently serves as the president of the Uriel E. Owens Sickle Cell Disease Association of the Midwest, a role he has held since 2017. In this position, he manages emergency financial assistance for patients recently discharged from hospitals by processing applications and coordinating with utility and housing companies for approved support. He actively engages in communication via email and social media to educate the public about sickle cell disease, frequently speaks on panels, and collaborates with local hospitals to enhance the patient experience. His experience also includes serving as senior district sales manager at Takeda Pharmaceuticals from 2000 to 2016, program sales trainer at TAP Pharmaceuticals from 1998 to 2000, and hospital sales representative at TAP Pharmaceuticals from 1997 to 1998. Additionally, he is a co-chair of the Patient and Family Advisory Council at the Missouri Hospital Association, board member of the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement, chair of the Patient and Family Advisory Council at University Health in Kansas City, and has volunteered in school classes and with the Red Cross.
In light of his impressive undertakings, Mr. Wake was honored with the Compass Award in 2022. Laying a solid educational foundation, he earned a bachelor’s degree in human biology from the University of Kansas in 1992, a master’s degree in health informatics from Walden University in 2017, and certifications including Community Health Worker from the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. and Certified Medical Representative from the CMR Institute. Reflecting on his path, joining the Uriel E. Owens Sickle Cell Disease Association of the Midwest was shaped by his own struggles with sickle cell disease. After a distinguished 23-year career in pharmaceutical sales and management, he faced a challenging transition due to his health, which led him to take an early medical retirement in 2016. This period was marked by deep personal challenges, but he eventually found purpose and fulfillment by dedicating himself to the sickle cell organization. He is especially proud of overcoming the prognosis given to him in childhood, proving his resilience through his academic and professional achievements. He emphasizes that while sickle cell is a part of his life, it does not define him.
Mr. Wake attributes his success to the strong foundation provided by his parents. His mother, a nurse and caregiver, played a pivotal role in shaping his determination and resilience. She and his father raised him and his brother, who also has sickle cell disease, with the belief that their condition should never hinder their pursuit of their dreams. Looking ahead, he is focused on expanding the Uriel E. Owens Sickle Cell Disease Association of the Midwest across Kansas and Missouri to grow the organization’s reach and impact, helping more patients and making a lasting difference in their lives. He envisions extending his advocacy efforts to a broader, national, and international level, aspiring to take on roles in national and international committees and non-profit organizations, and elevating his story and influence on a global platform.
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