Melissa West is the Acting Vice President for Research, Discovery and Innovation at the ASN Alliance for Kidney Health (ASN). Within ASN’s portfolio for Research, Discover and Innovation are KidneyX, a public-private partnership with the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) to accelerate innovation in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney diseases and Kidney Health Initiative (KHI), a public-private partnership between the American Society of Nephrology, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and over 100 member companies and organizations focused on fostering innovation and enhancing patient safety in kidney disease.   Prior to joining ASN in 2012, Ms. West served as a consultant for the pharmaceutical industry coordinating their activities at scientific conferences.  She was employed with Abbott Laboratories during their launch of Zemplar Capsules in 2004-2006.  Her career started in the not-for-profit industry with Smith, Bucklin and Associates, including management positions with the American Society of Psychiatric Nurses, International Society of Clinical Densitometry and ending with ASN.  She joined ASN as a full time employee in 2000 as Director of Programs with Kidney Week and assisting with corporate development.  With her 20-year career in nephrology, Ms. West is please to lead ASN’s initiatives to drive innovation and help facilitate the passage of drugs, device and biologics for kidney disease patients.