Herman “Art” Taylor

Herman “Art” Taylor is a prominent nonprofit sector leader with extensive experience in philanthropy and charity accountability.

Current Role

Since April 2025, he serves as President and CEO of AFP Global (Association of Fundraising Professionals), the leading professional association for fundraising professionals worldwide. Under his leadership, Art is revolutionizing professional development, extending the reach of the organization, and elevating the member experience. Central to his vision is operationalizing IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) throughout the association via the FORGE Ahead initiative — a framework built on the principles of Fairness, Openness, Respect, Grace, and Empathy. FORGE Ahead serves as AFP Global’s strategic compass for embedding these values into every program, policy, and member interaction, ensuring the association reflects and serves the full diversity of the fundraising profession.

Previous Leadership

Art served a distinguished 24-year tenure as President and CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance (2001–2025), where he transformed charity accountability and donor education. Under his leadership, the Alliance increased charity evaluation reports from 250 to over 1,400 and introduced the widely-recognized Accredited Charity Seal. He continues his association with the organization as President Emeritus of BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

Academic Involvement

Since 2018, Art has served as Lecturer at Columbia University School of Professional Studies, teaching Ethics in the Nonprofit Sector to MS candidates. He also serves as Adjunct Faculty in the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy’s doctoral program and is a regular guest lecturer at Georgetown McDonough School and George Washington University.

Board Service

He serves as Chair of the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution and as a member of the National Advisory Board of the Salvation Army USA. His board service also includes the Institute For the Future, CFRE International (Certified Fund Raising Executive), National Human Services Assembly, Elevate 215, and several other organizations. He is Trustee Emeritus of Franklin & Marshall College.

Recognition

Art is the 2025 recipient of the Independent Sector John W. Gardner Leadership Award, one of the nonprofit sector’s most prestigious honors. He is widely recognized as a sought-after speaker on charity accountability, fundraising ethics, and nonprofit governance, having delivered hundreds of speeches and testified before Congress on improving charitable sector trustworthiness.

Education and Credentials

Art holds a BA in Business Administration from Franklin & Marshall College (1980), where he received an honorary Doctor of Laws (2002), and a JD from Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law (1989). He is a former Certified Public Accountant and completed the University of Oxford Said Business School Certificate in Blockchain Strategy Program.

Personal

Art is married to Yolanda Taylor, Founder and CEO of At The Style Table, a wardrobe styling consultancy.