Ann Hale, M.A., CFRE Named Executive Director, AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – US and Executive Vice President, AFP Foundations for Philanthropy

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is pleased to announce that Ann Hale, M.A., CFRE has been appointed executive director of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy – US and executive vice president of the AFP Foundations for Philanthropy. Hale has served in the interim EVP role since February 2025, and her transition into this permanent position marks a significant step forward for AFP’s philanthropic leadership and strategic direction.

Hale brings more than three decades of fundraising experience, deep organizational knowledge, and a longstanding commitment to advancing the fundraising profession. Her steady leadership as interim executive vice president guided the Foundations through a a transition in AFP Global’s executive leadership,  a renewed focus on best practices in fundraising and on strengthening the sustainability of AFP’s three Foundations.

“I’m so excited to start this year with Ann taking on the permanent role of executive director of the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy in the U.S.,” said Catherine M. Connolly, CFRE, MBA, chair of the AFP U.S. Foundation for Philanthropy Governing Board. “In the interim staff role last year, Ann was able to move the Foundation forward in various areas, building on the progress made in the past. Her vision and expertise will focus the Foundation on the issues that are critical to the nonprofit sector and fundraising professionals, and her leadership will drive the next steps in the Foundation’s mission and vision.”

Hale’s history with AFP is extensive. For more than 20 years, she has served as a volunteer leader at the highest levels, including as chair of the AFP Global Board from 2017–2018. Her tenure included major milestones such as supporting the hiring of the previous AFP president and CEO, Mike Geiger, MBA, CPA, launching the Women’s Impact Initiative, and helping embed inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) into AFP’s strategic priorities. Since completing her board service, she has continued to contribute through roles on the AFP U.S. Foundation for Philanthropy Fundraising Board and the AFP Ethics Committee.

In her professional career, Hale has worked extensively with Alaska nonprofits, focusing on building organizational capacity, expanding philanthropic impact, and strengthening the resources nonprofits rely on to serve their communities. Her blend of sector-wide experience and insider knowledge of AFP’s mission uniquely positions her to guide the Foundations’ future.

“I’m honored to step into this role permanently and continue the important work of ensuring the AFP Foundations are strong, visionary, and responsive to the needs of our profession,” said Hale. “Fundraisers today face both incredible opportunities and significant challenges. I’m committed to working with our boards and supporters to grow individual giving — especially flexible, unrestricted funding — so we can expand scholarships, leadership development, research, and the programs that help fundraisers thrive.”

Hale also emphasized the importance of expanding awareness of the work of all three AFP Foundations and deepening engagement with AFP members and the broader philanthropic community.

“AFP has shaped my entire career,” Hale said. “It’s a privilege to help ensure that fundraisers everywhere have access to the education, ethical guidance, and professional community that helped me grow. I look forward to collaborating with leaders throughout the sector to position the Foundations as key contributors to the future of philanthropy.”

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The AFP Foundations for Philanthropy champion philanthropy and volunteerism by strengthening the nonprofit sector’s current and future leaders, welcoming diverse new voices into the charitable world, and rigorously upholding the highest standards of ethics. The Foundation currently focuses on developing fundraising leadership programs, supporting research on critical issues in the profession, building a stronger sector through a more diverse workforce, and renewing public trust in charitable organizations. More information about the Foundation can be found at https://afpglobal.org/USFoundation 

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