About Our Chapter

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is a global community of professionals dedicated to advancing philanthropy by empowering individuals and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. AFP fulfills this mission through education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing, and advocacy.

The AFP North Alabama Chapter is committed to fostering a professional community that reflects and respects the diversity of the region we serve. We strive to create an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment where members, volunteers, and leaders are valued, supported, and encouraged to realize their full potential.

2026 AFP North AL Chapter Board of Directors

President
Cindi Williamson, Executive Director, New Hope Children’s Clinic

Vice President
Jennifer Geist, Advancement Director, St. John Paul II Catholic High School

Treasurer
Rachel O’Sullivan, Assistant Vice President for External Support and Alumni Affairs, Athens State University

Secretary
Karen Petersen, Director of Development, WellStone, Inc.

Membership Chair
Gina Hurst, Development Director, World Gospel Outreach

Community Relations Chair
Martha Grace Mize, Owner & Principal Consultant, Mize Nonprofit Consulting LLC

Education Programs Chair
Mary Shirley-Howell, Independent Fundraiser

At-Large Member
Karessa Acosta Lee, Annual Giving Officer, The University of Alabama in Huntsville

Chapter Administrator, Communications Chair
Sarah Otto

(North AL Chapter 2025 Board)

Our Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (I.D.E.A.):

  • Inclusion: The ability of AFP to attract, retain, accommodate, and involve a range of diverse people who are valued, accepted, and comfortable at the international, national, regional, or local chapter level.
  • Diversity: AFP defines diversity as a core value. It is an inclusive concept encompassing, without limitation, race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or identity; religion, nationality, age, economic class, educational level, language, physical, mobility and ability, geography, and marital and parental status. The state of being diverse means having the broadest possible representation of individuals, experiences, and perspectives in all-encompassing terms.
  • Equity: Creating a level playing field for individuals or groups according to their respective needs, which may include equal treatment or treatment that is different but is considered equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations, and opportunities.
  • Access: The commitment to fostering attitudes, behaviors, and procedures to facilitate access that promotes equity and diversity, fosters inclusion and allows people to maximize their contribution to our association and communities that our members serve.

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