AFP Global to Begin Search for President and CEO

Dear Valued Members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Affiliated Organizations,

On behalf of the AFP Global Board of Directors, I'm writing to share an executive leadership update for AFP.  President and CEO, Mike Geiger, has made the decision not to seek an extension of his contract and has noted that his last day at AFP will be December 31, 2024.  He will remain in his role as President and CEO through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.  This extended time frame allows for a thoughtful and thorough search process for the next leader who will set the course for the future success of AFP.

Mike Geiger’s Legacy
Over the past 7 years, Mike Geiger has provided steady and inspiring leadership as our CEO. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated adept fiscal stewardship, fostered innovation, and strategically positioned us for continued growth. Under his guidance we have benefitted tremendously from his expert fiscal management skills which were instrumental in steering our organization away from financial crises, a milestone that would not have been possible without his expertise. Having worked closely with Mike during my term as AFP Global board chair, I can attest to his deep commitment to our members and the profession. (See Mike’s message)

A Comprehensive Search Process
To ensure a smooth transition and identify the next visionary leader for AFP, we're embarking on a comprehensive search process. This commitment to excellence is reflected in our rigorous approach. In the coming weeks, AFP will share a press release announcing the details of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process as we seek to identify a partner in executing a global search.

Key Highlights of the Search:

• Mission-Oriented Focus: We will issue an RFP in the coming weeks, seeking a search firm with a proven track record of placing exceptional leaders in mission-driven organizations. 
   
• Leveraging AFP's Success: Our progress and advances, along with an esteemed network across AFP, will be a tremendous asset in attracting highly qualified and diverse candidates who share our passion for AFP’s mission.
   
• Collaborative Approach: A Search Committee will be appointed and will work with the chosen search firm to ensure a transparent and inclusive acquisition and selection process.
   
• Inclusive Selection Process: A pivotal phase in the search will include a special town hall event where finalists will present their vision and plans for the future of AFP providing a unique opportunity for the membership to contribute to the selection process.

We are confident that this process will yield a leader who will guide us towards a brighter future.

Looking Ahead: Continued Growth and Impact
During this leadership transition, we remain focused on delivering exceptional value to our members and advancing our vital mission to empower individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research, and advocacy.

We look forward to sharing further updates as the search progresses.

Sincerely,

Birgit Smith Burton
Association of Fundraising Professionals 
Chair, Global Board of Directors