03/26/2026
Fran Rickenbach Announces her Retirement.
(L to r) Past President Dani Concepcion, Fran Rickenbach, Past Presidents Clarica Douglas Ajayi, Heather Paradis and Kevin Burns recognizing both Fran Rickenbach and Dani Concepcion's retirements - with more than 80 years serving the dialysis industry.
Fran Rickenbach, CAE, IOM, will be retiring as of May 31. Fran started working with NANT in 1995, and with the successful completion of DTX43 this month, finished 31 NANT conferences.
NANT will name an interim Executive Director at the beginning of May. Roxy West will continue as Associate Executive Director and Meghan Fiely as the Membership Director. Doug Conrad will continue to serve as DTX Exhibits Manager.
Immediate Past President Clarica Douglas Ajayi has these words to share about Fran's retirement:
I had to take a moment to celebrate you properly—because 30+ years as Executive Director of NANT is not just a milestone, it’s a legacy.
First, let’s address the most important rule you ever enforced: it is DTX … not a symposium. I’m pretty sure there are still a few of us who owe you a dollar—or at least have some mild anxiety every time we say the wrong word! That alone deserves recognition for consistency and commitment.
I have to admit, when I first met you, I was convinced you were one of us—a dialysis colleague through and through. Finding out you were part of the management company actually surprised me… but in the best way. It spoke volumes about how deeply you understood, respected, and advocated for dialysis technicians and technologists. You didn’t just support the profession—you became part of it.
Because of you, our meetings were not only organized, but truly memorable. From the structure to the experience, everything reflected excellence, intention, and care. You created spaces where technicians felt seen, heard, and valued—and that is no small thing.
Fran, thank you for your unwavering dedication, your leadership, your attention to detail, and yes… even your enforcement of conference terminology. You have made an incredible impact on this organization and on so many of us personally.
As you step into this next season, I pray it is filled with rest, joy, laughter, and all the things you may have put on hold while taking care of NANT for so many years. You have more than earned it.
Happy Retirement—you will be deeply missed, but your legacy will continue to speak for itself.
With appreciation and a smile (and possibly a dollar in hand),
Clarica Douglas-Ajayi
Immediate Past President, NANT
Next week, we will share Past President Philip Varughese's tribute to Fran Rickenbach