The Association of Fundraising Professionals Taps DRiWaterstone Human Capital to Find New Leader

October 15, 2024 – Arlington, VA-based DRiWaterstone Human Capital has been retained by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in Arlington, VA, to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Reporting directly to the chair of the board, the CEO of AFP is responsible for the overall strategic direction, governance, and leadership of the organization, driving its continued growth and impact in alignment with its mission. This position serves as the CEO of the Association, AFP Canada, and the AFP foundations.

The CEO, in partnership with the board chair, will serve as the public face of both the membership Association and the Foundations, providing leadership across the entities and being an active and contributing leader within the non-profit and philanthropic community globally.

Those applying for this role must have master’s degree or equivalent experience in non-profit management, philanthropy, or a related field. They should have 10+ years of proven leadership experience in senior executive roles within nonprofit organizations, preferably related to philanthropy and/or membership associations. DRiWaterstone also notes that candidates will have a demonstrated track record of success in strategic planning, execution, and driving measurable results in complex organizational settings. They will possess a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape, emerging trends in fundraising, and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, including experience inspiring and motivating teams while building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders is also preferred. Candidates should have proven fundraising experience and success in securing major gifts, building donor relationships, and developing diversified funding strategies. Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, financial management, and strategic resource allocation is also need along with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and make sound decisions.

The Association Of Fundraising Professionals is a professional association of individuals and organizations that generate philanthropic support for a wide variety of charitable institutions. Founded in 1960, AFP advances philanthropy through its 26,000 members in more than 240 chapters throughout the world – connected through offices in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The organization has inspired global change and supported efforts that have generated over $1 trillion. Its individual and organizational members raise over $115 billion annually.

Created through a recent merger between DRi and Waterstone Human Capital, DRiWaterstone Human Capital is a culture-centric executive search, leadership advisory, and human capital firm focused on helping mission and purpose-driven organizations across the U.S. build high performance teams and cultures. The firm’s team of talent management professionals has placed over 1,000 exceptional executives since it opened in 2001.

Related: DRiWaterstone Human Capital Tapped by the San Diego Workforce Partnership to Lead CEO Search

The firm offers executive search services focused on helping clients achieve sustainable organizational and cultural growth by finding leaders who align to the organization’s purpose, and who can help take the organization and its culture to the next level. DRiWaterstone Human Capital also offers a full portfolio of cultural talent management and leadership advisory services (including culture assessment, culture measurement, and culture curation) – to help organizations put culture at the center of strategy and drive success.

New CEO

DRiWaterstone Human Capital has appointed Doug Trout as its new CEO succeeding Jennifer Dunlap, who has served as president and CEO since the organization opened its doors in 2001. Ms. Dunlap will continue to serve as an advisor to the CEO and to work with a limited number of clients until her retirement from the organization in January 2025. She will serve on the board of directors as founder and vice chair. “DRiWaterstone is in excellent hands with Doug Trout,” said Ms. Dunlap. “His extensive experience in the nonprofit industry, coupled with the relationships he has built during his four years as a senior consultant and most recently a managing director, make Doug the right person to drive the company’s growth and success moving forward. I’m confident that DRiWaterstone, its clients, and its team will thrive under Doug’s leadership.”

Mr. Trout joined DRiWaterstone in 2020 and has led the non-profit search practice since 2022. His practice areas for the firm have focused on the clean energy sector, public policy centers, research and cultural institutes, and higher education.

“I am excited about the future of our company and about working with the DRiWaterstone team to grow the organization, and to support the human capital needs of the nonprofit and social impact sectors,” said Mr. Trout. “Our two co-founders, Jennifer Dunlap and Nancy Racette, built an incredible company – one that is solely committed to purpose and mission-driven organizations and partnering with them to build high-performance teams. I look forward to continuing that vision and expanding DRiWaterstone’s partnerships in the industry.”

Related: DRiWaterstone Human Capital Partners with Bryan & Jordan Consulting

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media

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