Our History

1997: Under the leadership of Bob Case and Michael Berens, Ph.D., the Arizona Bioindustry Cluster was born.

2002: The Arizona Biosciences Roadmap, developed by the Flinn Foundation in conjunction with the Battelle Memorial Institute, commences its implementation. Both the public and private sectors start to focus on developing the biosciences in Arizona.

November 2003: In recognition of the commitment to build a viable biosciences industry in Arizona, the Arizona Bioindustry Cluster was reincorporated and changed its name to the Arizona BioIndustry Association (ABA). The Board of Directors included bioscience company executives, university leaders, individuals from state and local agencies and suppliers who work together to help facilitate growth through member benefits, education programs and events, business networking, public policy and entrepreneurial endeavors. The organization began publishing the the monthly Arizona BioInsider™ newsletter.

July 2005: The Board of Directors secured a three-year grant from the Flinn Foundation to support its statewide educational outreach efforts. Jon McGarity, who had been serving as Chair of the ABA, was named as the first President and CEO of the Arizona BioIndustry Association. The association hosted the first annual Arizona BioIndustry Awards dinner.

May 2007: Jon McGarity left the ABA post to accept the CEO position at Insys Therapeutics, Inc. Through the active involvement and efforts of the Board of Directors, the ABA was able to continue most of its ongoing programs and activities, including the efforts to integrate the ABA with BIO-SA (BioIndustry Organization of Southern Arizona) to form a unified state association.

October 2007: The Arizona BioIndustry Association hired C. Robert Eaton, former head of MdBio, as new President and CEO to lead the organization through its next phase of growth.

February 2008: Now known as AZBio, the Arizona BioIndustry Association is finalizing the details of a significant reorganization. A new Board of Directors will take the helm of a unified statewide trade association serving Arizona's growing bioindustry. The Board will include individuals representing our member organizations in Southern Arizona, the Greater Phoenix area and Northern Arizona.