Alexandria, VA, USA – Eva E. Aldrich, Ph.D., CAE, (CFRE, 2001-2016), President and CEO of CFRE International for the past 13 years, will retire in November 2025. CFRE International is an independent nonprofit organization that administers the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification program, dedicated to setting standards in philanthropy through a valid and reliable certification process for fundraising professionals.
During her years as President and CEO, Aldrich guided CFRE International through significant growth, change, and the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic. The number of CFREs holding active status increased 52% (approximately 5,400 to 8,200), the organization’s international footprint increased 155% (from 11 to nearly 30 countries across the globe), the number of Participating Organizations increased by 60% (20 to 32), and annual revenue increased 139% (approximately $945,000 to $2.2 million).
During Aldrich’s tenure, CFRE International improved and expanded its service to CFRE certificants and the fundraising community worldwide, including:
- streamlining the application and audit processes for CFRE certification;
- expanding access to the CFRE examination for candidates across the world through Pearson VUE’s network of 5,000+ testing centers;
- establishing partnerships with national fundraising organizations worldwide;
- achieving academic graduate credit recognition for CFRE certification through the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy;
- developing resources like the Exam Compass Study Guide and Practice Exam, and the My Education Finder tool to expand opportunities in fundraising education;
- launching the CFRE Central online community;
- inaugurating the CFRE Ambassador program; and
- achieving accreditation of the CFRE certification program by the American National Standard Institute’s National Accreditation Board, which distinguishes CFRE certification as the only globally acknowledged, accredited certification for fundraising professionals.
“CFRE International has seen tremendous progress during Eva’s tenure as President and CEO,” Board Chair Stephen Mally, CFRE, FFIA, said. “Under her leadership, the organization transformed and expanded services and resources to our certification-holders, as well as those seeking certification. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we are grateful for Eva’s exemplary stewardship and hope to honor her legacy by building upon the standard of excellence she has established.”
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve CFRE International for the past 13 years,” said Aldrich. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated board, talented staff, and passionate partners in pursuit of CFRE International’s mission. Together, we have achieved meaningful progress and positioned CFRE International for continued success in the years ahead.”
Aldrich will continue as President and CEO during the search for her successor. CFRE International has engaged the executive search firm DRiWaterstone based in Alexandria, Virginia, for the search.
