Episode 1: Built to Connect | Debra BenAvram, CEO of AABB

What does it take to transform a global association from the inside out? In our inaugural episode, Jackson sits down with Debra BenAvram, CEO of AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies), to explore how she's redefining what it means to lead a $20M nonprofit in a rapidly evolving industry.

Debra shares the leadership philosophy behind dropping staff turnover from 45% to 6%, why she spent her first 90 days doing one-on-ones with all 60 employees, and how AABB successfully rebranded — during COVID — without losing its identity. She also opens up about the gut-wrenching decision to cancel their 6,000-person annual meeting with 48 hours' notice when Hurricane Ian struck, and what it taught her about revenue diversification and member connection.

The conversation closes with a provocation every association leader needs to hear: "Associations worry too much about making every single person happy and not enough about finding the best opportunities that deliver both business results and mission results."

Topics covered:

• Building culture as a new CEO with no institutional equity
• Launching AABB's first biotherapy certification (CABP)
• Navigating a legacy rebrand without alienating members
• Crisis planning and business continuity
• Rethinking the annual meeting as the sole connection point