AFP of Greater Cincinnati appoints inaugural executive director

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Cincinnati Chapter has named Ken Coggeshall its first executive director.

Coggeshall comes to AFP from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, where he was director of admissions and development. A native of Dayton, Ohio, he has held leadership roles as development director at Special Olympics Hamilton County and donor relations manager at The Children’s Home of Cincinnati.

He has also worked in corporate relations and fundraising at OneSight and The Dayton Art Institute, and has experience in donor relations and development with various regional nonprofits. Coggeshall began his development career as a development officer at the National Democratic Institute in Washington, D.C.

“I’m honored and delighted to be chosen as the first executive director of AFP Cincinnati,” said Coggeshall, a longtime member of the organization who has previously served on its board.

“I’m keenly aware of the value and importance of this organization,” he continued. “This value extends not only to local fundraising professionals but also to area nonprofits and, through the incredible work they do, the community as a whole.”

Supporting Cincinnati’s Philanthropic Institutions

The AFP Greater Cincinnati Chapter supports the professional development of fundraising professionals and provides leadership to the fundraising community.

Amanda Jenkins, president of the local organization, highlighted the importance of this appointment. Cincinnati is one of the few AFP chapters globally – out of more than 240 chapters worldwide – with its own executive director.

“This speaks to the unique leadership and strength of our philanthropic community,” she said, noting that the organization is a “leader throughout the country in providing exceptional programming and networking opportunities for fundraising professionals.”

This announcement comes ahead of AFP Cincinnati’s National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 21, where Coggeshall will join the philanthropic community in welcoming Birgit Smith Burton – global president of AFP and founder and CEO of the African American Development Officers Network – as a special guest of the event.

“Ken’s leadership will help us strengthen the profession,” Jenkins continued, “and build a diverse and talented pipeline to support nonprofits and advocate for all development professionals through our Declaration of Ethical Philanthropy.”

Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Cincinnati Chapter