Mike’s Monday Message: Shaping the Future: Your Opportunity to Lead AFP
Leadership matters—perhaps now more than ever. As we navigate a world filled with economic uncertainties, rapid technological advancements, and shifting philanthropic trends, strong, forward-thinking leadership is essential to ensuring that AFP and the fundraising profession continue to thrive. Nonprofits are on the frontlines of change, addressing society’s most pressing challenges, and fundraisers play a critical role in making that work possible. The future of our profession depends on leaders who are ready to think strategically, embrace innovation, and champion a culture of belonging and equity.
This is also a time of transition for AFP. With my retirement at the end of April, a new CEO, H. Art Taylor, coming on board beginning April 1, and a new strategic plan to put into practice, we are entering an era of fresh ideas and new opportunities for growth. AFP is evolving to meet the changing needs of our members and the fundraising profession at large, and we need leaders who are eager to be part of this transformation. The board plays a pivotal role in shaping AFP’s direction, ensuring that we remain a dynamic, responsive, and inclusive organization that provides fundraising professionals with the tools, knowledge, and advocacy they need to succeed.
At its core, AFP is a community—one built on shared values, mutual support, and a commitment to strengthening the fundraising profession. If you’ve ever considered stepping into a leadership role with AFP, now is the time! Nominations are currently open for the 2026 AFP Global Board of Directors, and we are looking for dedicated, passionate nonprofit professionals like you to help guide AFP into the future.
Serving on the AFP Global Board means being part of a team that drives key initiatives, strengthens our sector, and ensures fundraising professionals have the resources and community of support they need to thrive. We are looking for diverse voices, innovative thinkers, and committed leaders who want to help shape the direction of AFP.
AFP is currently accepting nominations for the following positions:
- Two Officers for the positions of Secretary and Treasurer.
- Three Vice Chair roles for the Membership Services, Professional Development, and External Relations Divisions.
- Five At-large Director roles to serve a two-year term.
If you are ready to make an impact, we encourage you to self-nominate, nominate a colleague, or invite your chapter to nominate an individual who has demonstrated leadership capabilities at the local level. I’d also like to encourage everyone to share this call for nominations broadly with your networks, and invite those with diverse viewpoints, identities, and lived experiences to apply.
Prior to making any nominations, please carefully review the criteria for service and nominations process. The deadline for submission of completed nominations is June 9, 2025.
Thank you in advance for taking an active role in this year’s nomination process and for encouraging your chapter to do the same.
As always feel free to reach out to me via email at Mike.Geiger@afpglobal.org or on X at @AFPMikeGeiger if you have any questions or comments. I’d love to hear from you.