Jeremy R. Wells, M.A., CFRE Named AFP 2025 Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year

CONTACTS:
Natalie Paskoski, Manager of Communications, (434) 236 – 5583, Natalie.Paskoski@afpglobal.org

(Arlington, Virginia) Jeremy Wells, M.A., CFRE, senior vice president of philanthropic services for the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation has been named the 2025 Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Global (AFP).

The Outstanding Fundraising Professional award is the highest honor that AFP bestows, recognizing effective, creative, and inspiring fundraising, as well as the practice and promotion of ethical standards and best practices within the industry. Wells will receive the award in Seattle on Sunday, April 27, at AFP ICON 2025, the largest conference of professional fundraisers in the world with over 3,000 members in attendance.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” said Wells. “I’ve been blessed to have spent my entire career doing this work. I have been so fortunate to have learned from countless colleagues over the years, and I’m thankful to be in a position where I can share these learnings and inspire others along the way.”

Jeremy Wells is one of those rare few who has spent his entire professional career in fundraising. He got his start 25 years ago at the University of Jamestown, where he quickly made an impression, working his way up to assistant vice president for institutional advancement within just four years. His talent and passion for major and planned gift fundraising, as well as his innovative approaches to alumni relations, helped the school raise more than $25 million during his tenure. Despite having moved on to other roles, in 2014, Wells was asked to join a steering committee to help with the university’s largest ever campaign, which went on to raise more than $30 million for the school—a testament to Jeremy’s lasting impact at an organization that continues to hold him in the highest regard.

At his next two organizations, Wells continued to raise the bar for institutional advancement, serving in leadership positions at both Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and Augsburg University. In fact, Jeremy was recruited to Augsburg by another respected recipient of the AFP Outstanding Fundraising Professional award, Paul Pribbenow, Ph.D.

The programs Wells put in place during his time at the university continue to thrive today, driven by the remarkable groundwork he laid—nearly tripling total fundraising, boosting annual giving by 50%, doubling alumni engagement, and increasing volunteer participation tenfold.

Now, in his role as senior vice president of philanthropic services at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Jeremy’s innovative strategies are positioning the foundation for success in an evolving fundraising landscape centered on equity and inclusion.

Wells’ influence extends beyond his professional accomplishments. As a lifelong learner and mentor, he has inspired and guided countless fundraising professionals, consistently setting aside time for an extraordinary number of one-on-one meetings with colleagues and future fundraisers.

A dedicated member of AFP for over 20 years, Wells has held numerous leadership positions at the chapter and global levels. His contributions include serving on the global board, chairing the AFP PAC Board, and co-developing the Ethics Assessment Inventory. He is a frequent speaker, mentor, and generous supporter of AFP’s initiatives.

“Jeremy Wells embodies everything this award represents—exceptional leadership, visionary fundraising, and an unwavering dedication to the future of the nonprofit sector,” said Mike Geiger, MBA, CPA, AFP president and CEO. “One thing that truly stands out about Jeremy’s work is the longevity of its impact. The initiatives he started years ago are still going strong today, all while he continues to be an exemplary leader in equity-focused fundraising for tomorrow. We are thrilled to honor him with this well-deserved recognition.”

For more information about this award and AFP ICON, please contact Natalie Paskoski at (434)-236-5583 or natalie.paskoski@afpglobal.org 

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Since 1960, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has been the standard-bearer for professionalism in fundraising. The association works to advance effective and ethical philanthropy by providing advocacy, research, education, mentoring, collaboration and technology opportunities for the world’s largest network of professional fundraisers. AFP’s more than 26,000 members in over 220 chapters raise over $100 billion annually for a wide variety of charitable organizations and causes across the globe. For more information, go to afpglobal.org. 

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