AFP’s CEO Search Update: Guided by Member Feedback
As many of you know, since Mike Geiger announced last May his plans to retire, AFP has been conducting an extensive search to find a qualified candidate to serve as our next president and CEO. This is an important decision for our organization, which is why we have provided updates to AFP members throughout this process, as we’ve taken key steps, such as partnering with an executive search firm, DRiWaterstone, engaging our volunteer CEO search committee, and reaching out to you, our AFP member community, to get your feedback.
The responses you provided to the member survey were invaluable and helped shape the criteria used in evaluating candidates. The top qualities and skills members emphasized included:
Expertise and Skills:
- Fundraising expertise
- Visionary leadership – someone who can translate vision into action
- Management experience in leading change
- Innovative, strategic thinking
Professional Background and Characteristics:
- Experience in nonprofit management or philanthropy
- Passion for AFP’s mission and vision
- Commitment to AFP’s ethical fundraising core values
- Experience in building a strong organizational culture
Throughout this process, the search committee prioritized diversity, ensuring a wide range of perspectives and experiences were considered in the selection. With this, and your feedback in mind, DRiWaterstone presented the search committee with a number of potential candidates, which they narrowed down to a short list that they met with virtually. Those that stood out as exemplifying the skills and expertise we needed were invited to in-person interviews with volunteer leaders.
During these interviews, we were able to dig deeper into each candidate’s qualifications, as they related to key themes brought up in the open-ended responses we received on the member survey.
These answers were varied, but a few key themes emerged, largely centered around understanding member needs, communicating member value, and strengthening AFP Global’s relationship with chapters—all feedback that we heard during our strategic planning process as well, which was ultimately incorporated into the strategic pillar of elevating member experience.
Specifically, here are just a few comments that highlight AFP member priorities for our new CEO:
- Strengthening AFP’s role as a community for fundraisers, ensuring it is inclusive and supportive for all members, fostering a reputation of belonging and professionalism.
- Enhancing AFP’s relevance for senior-level fundraising professionals while continuing to support emerging leaders.
- Clarifying the relationship between AFP Global and its chapters to foster better collaboration and communication.
- Understanding the challenges fundraisers face so AFP can advocate for fundraising as a recognized profession with standardized job titles and salaries.
- Strengthening AFP’s position in public policy and fostering a global culture of philanthropy in challenging times.
- Ensuring that AFP’s value is clearly communicated and effectively delivered to all members, both at the chapter and global levels.
This feedback played a crucial role in helping AFP identify the right leader for this next phase of AFP’s journey.
We are excited to announce that we have selected a candidate who we believe will bring the vision, expertise, and leadership necessary to guide AFP moving forward. We expect to wrap up the details of their employment over the coming weeks. I can’t wait to share with you more information as soon as we can!
I want to thank you for your engagement and feedback throughout this process. Your insights reflect the passion and commitment of our members to the future of AFP. As board chair, I look forward to working with the new CEO to strengthen our organization, build relationships, and ensure AFP remains a trusted, valuable resource for fundraisers at every stage of their careers.
In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to me at AFPChair@afpglobal.org with any questions or concerns, or to arrange a visit with your chapter or board. I’d love to hear from you.
