Mike Geiger Named President and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals

October 25, 2017

Press Contact: Michael Nilsen | 425-241-4675 | michael.nilsen@afpglobal.org

(Arlington, Va.) The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the world’s leading association for individuals and organizations that supports charitable institutions, is pleased to announce that after an extensive search, it has named Mike Geiger, MBA, CPA, as its new president and chief executive officer, effective November 1, 2017.

Geiger previously served for seven years as executive director and chief operating officer of the Chief Executives Organization, Inc. (CEO), a nonprofit education-focused international membership organization, whose members have demonstrated exceptional leadership in business, government or their community. In that role, Geiger directed CEO’s day-to-day global operations, leading a high-performing, globally-oriented staff of 30 while supporting the board of directors and all organizational committees. He brings a vast array of knowledge and experience, having increased membership significantly during his leadership at CEO; generated budget surpluses each year; developed innovative new collaborations and partnerships; and overseen the redesign of the organization’s website and other technology platforms.

Prior to his time at CEO, Geiger spent seven years as the chief financial officer at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and then six years as the vice president and chief financial officer of the German Marshall Fund of the United States. For both organizations, he provided global strategic direction in the areas of finance and accounting, fundraising, information technology, human resources and administration. Geiger has also held chief financial officer and director of finance positions in the Washington, D.C. and Virginia areas in the hospital/medical provider industry.

Geiger is also a current board member and chair of the Finance and Investment Committee of the Romanian American Foundation, a grant making non-governmental organization (NGO) whose mission is to strengthen and promote conditions for a sustainable market economy and a democratic society, providing access to opportunity for all segments of Romanian society.

“The AFP Board of Directors is delighted to welcome Mike Geiger as AFP’s next president and CEO,” said Ann Hale, CFRE, chair of AFP. “At this time in AFP’s history, we feel that Mike has the right blend of skills and assets to help us not only grow, but excel as an organization.  He is a proven association leader with experience in international membership organizations. He has a keen financial acumen and a passion for public service which will serve our members, chapters, and the fundraising profession well.”

“I am extremely excited to join this best-in-class global organization and be part of its future growth and success,” said Geiger. “I look forward to working with our members, chapters, partners and AFP staff as we continue to advance the fundraising profession at a time when effective and ethical philanthropy is more important than ever.”

Born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark, Geiger is a certified public accountant and holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond and a Master's in Business Administration from Northeastern University. He moved to the U.S. to attend college and put down roots with his family in northern Virginia.

Geiger succeeds Jason Lee, who has served as interim president and CEO for the past 17 months and has been a critical factor in the association’s public policy efforts as Congress considers tax reform. “We are grateful for Jason’s exceptional service, leadership and dedication to AFP and our members,” said Hale. “As interim president and CEO, Jason took the opportunity not only to stabilize the organization, but also to make bold decisions that have moved AFP forward and positioned us well for the future.” 

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 33,000 members raise more than $100 billion annually for a wide variety of charitable organizations and causes across the globe. For more information, go to www.afpglobal.org.