Ann Hale, M.A., CFRE Selected as Interim Executive Vice President of the AFP Foundations for Philanthropy

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is pleased to announce that Ann Hale, M.A., CFRE has been appointed as the interim executive vice president of the AFP Foundations for Philanthropy. With more than 30 years of fundraising experience and an extensive history of leadership within AFP, Hale brings a deep commitment to the profession and a strong vision for advancing the Foundation’s mission.

A dedicated AFP volunteer for over two decades, Hale has served in numerous leadership capacities. She was chair of the AFP Global Board from 2017–2018, during which time she played a pivotal role in hiring AFP president and CEO Mike Geiger, MBA, CPA, launching the Women’s Impact Initiative, and implementing AFP’s first strategic plan to include a dedicated focus on inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA). Since concluding her board service in 2020, Hale has remained engaged with AFP as a member of the AFP U.S. Foundation for Philanthropy Fundraising Board and the AFP Ethics Committee.

In her professional career, Hale has a proven track record of success helping Alaska nonprofits strengthen their fundraising capacity to advance and expand their missions. This includes working with and leading supporting foundations that provided vital financial resources to these organizations. This experience, along with her deep understanding of AFP’s culture and mission, and her relationships with AFP’s volunteers and donors, makes Hale uniquely qualified to lead the AFP Foundations.

“On behalf of the governing board of the AFP U.S. Foundation for Philanthropy, I’m pleased to welcome Ann to the role of interim executive vice president for the AFP Foundations,” said Catherine M. Connolly, CFRE, MBA, chair of the AFP U.S. Foundation for Philanthropy Governing Board. “We are looking forward to having Ann’s energy and expertise focused on the programs of the Foundations and the issues that are important to fundraisers and to the nonprofit sector. With her leadership, we are confident that our Foundations can take the next steps toward making an even bigger impact on the challenges facing our profession and the sector.”

“The AFP Foundations for Philanthropy are in a strong position thanks to the leadership of my predecessor, Lori Gusdorf,” said Hale. “My priority in the coming year is to work with the Foundation’s governing and fundraising boards to develop and implement a plan for growing individual giving—especially unrestricted giving—which is essential to sustaining key programs like scholarships, leadership development, and research that benefits fundraisers and the sector as a whole.”

Hale also aims to strengthen public awareness of AFP’s three Foundations and build lasting relationships with those who share her passion for advancing the nonprofit sector.

“AFP has been a lifeline in my career, providing education, ethical guidance, and a network of mentors and peers who supported me,” Hale said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to give back to AFP in a new way, ensuring that fundraisers everywhere can access the resources and connections that will help them succeed.”

Hale envisions a future where the AFP Foundations play an even greater role in shaping philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. “I look forward to working with the boards, AFP members, and sector leaders to identify key issues where the Foundations can make a lasting impact,” she said.

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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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