AATB’s 2026 Structure and Future Direction

January 12, 2026

Effective January 1, AATB transitioned from a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership association to a 501(c)(6) trade association and now operates as the Association for Advancing Tissue and Biologics (AATB). The Association is governed by its own Bylaws and led by a Board of Directors, enabling a stronger, more unified voice to advocate for the industry, while maintaining AATB’s long-standing commitment to safety, quality, and the availability of donated human tissue. 

What This Means for Members
For members and industry partners, day-to-day operations and engagement remain the same. AATB’s mission-driven work continues.

All existing programs and activities of the American Association of Tissue Banks have transitioned seamlessly to the Association for Advancing Tissue and Biologics, including: 

  • Standards and Accreditation
  • Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) Program
  • Education and Professional Development
  • Meetings, Events, and Member Engagement
  • AATB Staff and Operational Support

Your points of contact, participation opportunities, and access to programs are unchanged. 

The AATB Foundation
As part of this transition, the original 501(c)(3) entity is now the AATB Foundation. The Foundation operates in support of the Association’s mission and is subordinate to the Association for Advancing Tissue and Biologics.

The Foundation is governed by its own Bylaws and led by a Board of Governors, which reports to the Association’s Board of Directors.  

The AATB Foundation oversees charitable and scientific initiatives, including the administration of the AATB Grant Program, which continues to support non-proprietary research.

How the Organizations Work Together
The Association for Advancing Tissue and Biologics serves as the primary member and governance body, with strategic oversight provided by its Board of Directors. 

The AATB Foundation, under the leadership of its Board of Governors, carries out charitable and research-focused activities aligned with the Association’s strategic priorities and under the oversight of the Association’s Board. This structure enables the Association to lead advocacy, establish standards, and deliver member services, while ensuring that research and grantmaking remain mission-driven.

Rebranding and What’s Ahead
In conjunction with this organizational evolution, AATB is working with its strategic branding partner, Mekanic, on a comprehensive rebrand. This effort will introduce refreshed visual identities and messaging that clearly reflect the roles and relationships between: 

  • The Association for Advancing Tissue and Biologics (AATB) – Membership, standards, accreditation, certification, education, advocacy, governed by the Board of Directors
  • The AATB Foundation – research, grants, and charitable initiatives, governed by the Board of Governors and reporting to the Association's Board

These updates will be introduced at the 2026 AATB Annual Meeting in San Francisco.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support as we move forward in this next chapter.