Frank S. Wilton: New Chair of Donate Life America BOD

Frank S. Wilton, president and CEO of the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), is the new chair of the Donate Life America (DLA) Board of Directors, representing the first time a representative from AATB has served in this role.

“In his previous years on the DLA Board, Frank has always made sure that resources were available to enable DLA to continue our mission—to drive individuals, organizations and communities to increase the number of designated organ, eye and tissue donors who save and heal lives,” said David Fleming, president and CEO of Donate Life America, in the January 11, 2018 news release. “We look forward to his continued engagement as chair.”

According to AATB: “Wilton has led the AATB as CEO since 2012 and, in that time, has visited more than 50 AATB-accredited tissue banks. He is a member of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Blood and Tissue Safety and Availability and has testified before Congress on the topic of tissue safety.”

“Wilton has more than 25 years of association, education and advocacy experience. Prior to joining AATB, he held several leadership positions at the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) and served as Executive Director of Label Printing Industries of America.”

“Wilton received his Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and his Institute of Management (IOM) designation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He holds a master’s degree from Boston University and dual bachelor’s degrees from Hobart College. He and his wife live in Northern Virginia and have three grown children.”

Wilton told OTW, “After several years as the president and CEO of AATB, I was honored to initially join the Donate Life America Board back in 2014. My engagement over the past few years has provided me with vital insights into the changing world of organ, eye and tissue donation and the overall donation and transplantation community. As the first chair of DLA from the tissue banking profession, I feel compelled to help the general public gain a better understanding of the important and lifesaving benefits of tissue donation within the larger donation continuum.”

“My initial plans include reaching out to my fellow Board members—as well as the terrific DLA volunteers and staff—to gain the benefit of their counsel with respect to the challenges and opportunities facing DLA. One of my personal goals is to help people better understand that the decision to be a donor is the most important step—whether executed by the donor her/himself or by the donor family. Not everyone can be an organ donor—many more people are able to be cornea and tissue donors. All gifts are precious and we should continue to celebrate and honor the courageous and selfless nature of all donors.”