We Are Our Members

As a volunteer-driven organization, member participation is the strength behind ATA’s activities and events. Our members determine the direction and shape the future of the Association.

Members include translators, interpreters, teachers, project managers, web and software developers, language company owners, hospitals, universities, and government agencies.

Mission Statement

ATA’s mission is to promote the recognition of professional translators and interpreters, to facilitate communication among its members, to establish standards of competence and ethics, to provide its members with professional development opportunities, and to advocate on behalf of the profession.

History of ATA

1959

  • Henry Fischbach meets with twelve colleagues in New York to discuss forming a professional organization.
  • The American Translators Association is founded.

1960

  • Alexander Gode becomes the first ATA president.
  • ATA’s First Annual Meeting of is held in New York at the Academy of Sciences.

1966

  • ATA adopts Code of Professional Ethics.
  • First Professional Services Directory of ATA members is published.

1973

  • First ATA accreditation examinations are given in New York and Philadelphia.

1972

  • First issue of The ATA Chronicle is published.

2007

  • ATA membership surpasses 10,000.

2009

  • ATA celebrates its 50th year.

Charter Members

In 1959, this group of pioneers came together to form the American Translators Association. ATA wishes to recognize them for their contribution to the translation and interpreting professions.

Honorary Members

Honorary membership may be conferred upon individuals who have distinguished themselves in the translation or interpreting professions by a vote of two-thirds of the Board of Directors.

ATA’s Partners in the T&I Industry

ATA works with the following organizations to coordinate our efforts in
accordance with our mission statement.

ASTM International

ASTM International is one of the world's largest international standards developing organizations, defining and setting standards to improve the lives of millions.

Visit ASTM

International Federation of Translators

FIT is a federation of associations of translators, interpreters, and terminologists representing more than 85,000 professionals in 55 countries.

Ted R. Wozniak, ATA Representative

Visit FIT