Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute (THBI) Announces Expanding Leadership, Expanding Impact

AUSTIN, TX | April 15, 2026 – The Texas Healthcare & Bioscience Institute (THBI), the statewide public policy voice of the healthcare and bioscience industry celebrating 30 years of advocacy leadership and industry support, today announced a leadership team expansion for THBI and the THBI Foundation. This expansion marks an important step in advancing the organization’s mission to strengthen and expand the life science and healthcare innovation ecosystem across Texas.

THBI is announcing the appointment of John Oates as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of THBI, succeeding Victoria Ford. Oates brings over 30 years of extensive experience in healthcare policy, advocacy, corporate and association leadership. His background includes having worked in the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate, ultimately as Committee Director of the Senate Health Services Committee, followed by over 20 years of corporate state government relations leadership in the healthcare sector. His appointment positions THBI to continue its role as a leading voice for the life sciences sector in Texas.

“In 2023, Texas’ bioscience industry achieved several major milestones with over 129,000 employees across over 9,000 establishments, ranking Texas third in the nation for biotech employment and second in the nation for bioscience establishments. THBI has long been a catalyst for the collaboration and innovation that helps fuel that growth,” said Oates. “I am honored to lead this organization and build on its strong foundation to further support research, innovation, and economic growth across the state.”

In conjunction with this transition, Victoria Ford has been named Acting Director of the THBI Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting THBI’s mission and fostering the growth of the life science ecosystem in Texas. The Foundation will play a vital role in advancing education, research, and workforce development initiatives that strengthen the state’s position as a national leader in healthcare innovation.

“During her time at THBI, Victoria expanded the profile and impact of THBI, and now she will turn her attentions to reactivating the THBI Foundation, formerly called the Texas Life Sciences Foundation, so that we can build a strong partnership that will include greater opportunities for grants and donations to fund a more comprehensive array of industry support services,” said Oates.

The Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute and the THBI Foundation are committed to advancing opportunities for world class innovation and improved patient outcomes and to supporting the ongoing development and growth of the life sciences and biotech industry in Texas. This leadership transition will expand the organizations’ impact opportunities and will continue their shared mission of advancing healthcare and bioscience excellence throughout Texas.

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The Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute (THBI) is the leading voice for the life science and healthcare innovation industry in Texas. THBI represents companies, academic institutions, and research organizations working to advance medical innovation, improve patient care, and strengthen the state’s economy through science and technology.

The THBI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, formerly called the Texas Life Sciences Foundation, dedicated to supporting the mission of THBI by promoting education, research, and workforce development initiatives that foster the growth of the life science ecosystem in Texas.