European Fundraising Association (EFA) appoints its first Executive Director

The European Fundraising Association (EFA) has today (September 26) announced a key step in its development plans, with the appointment of Eva M Torsson as its first Executive Director in addition to its voluntary board.

The news was announced at EFA’s Annual General Assembly, as well as a number of board changes. These include the voting in of Ceri Edwards from the UK’s Chartered Institute of Fundraising as President, with Charlotte Rydh, from the Swedish Fundraising Association, stepping down as President at the completion of her term.

The creation of the Executive Director role marks a critical expansion of capacity that will support EFA in growing its essential work to strengthen and develop fundraising across Europe both through its services, and its support and advocacy for members and the wider sector.

Commenting on Torsson’s appointment, Charlotte Rydh, outgoing President of EFA, said:

“This is an important step for EFA and its future development. Eva will play a pivotal role in driving it forward as the board looks to further expand both EFA’s reach and influence, and the knowledge and support it provides to strengthen the professionalization of fundraising across Europe.

“The calibre of candidates was impressive, EFA received 61 strong applications and we thank Daryll Upsall Consulting for their crucial support during the recruitment process.”

Taking EFA forward

Torsson takes up the Executive Director role on a part time basis from October 1. She will work with the Board, the EFA Certification and Public Affairs Committees, and other volunteer member groups to ensure that EFA is a collective voice for Europe’s fundraising community. She will also work across EFA’s membership, developing and managing partnerships with a range of organisations across Europe and globally.

Torsson is Deputy Secretary General and Head of Training and Business Development at the Swedish Fundraising Association (Giva Sverige). In this role, she has professionalised and expanded training and events, synchronizing this with a broader offering for suppliers and corporates, and generating new income streams. She has a broad background in both the nonprofit sector and business, beginning her career at international nonprofit Up With People, before moving to the professional education and training sector. Prior to joining Giva Sverige, Torsson spent 8 years as CEO of SAUF, the Swedish Association of Certified Educational and Training Companies. She has also worked for many years as a consultant.

On her appointment, Torsson said:

“The creation of this new role marks an important point in EFA’s development, and I am immensely honoured to be its first Executive Director. I look forward to getting to work and helping to build EFA’s voice and influence even further across the European and international stage.”

Board appointments New President Ceri Edwards, who is Executive Director of Change at the UK’s Chartered Institute of Fundraising, takes up the role for the initial period of one year. In addition, Siri Nodland from Fundraising Norge steps down, while Pia Tornikoski, Secretary General for the Finnish Fundraising Association (VaLa) and Ruth Williams, CEO at Fundraising Verband Austria are appointed to the board. As I step down after an incredible six years on the EFA board, three of which as President, I’m delighted to hand over the reins to Ceri. I can’t think of anyone better to oversee this next year of EFA’s transformation into an even stronger and more relevant voice for Europe’s fundraising community.”

New President Ceri Edwards said:

“This is an exciting time for EFA, and I’m delighted to be taking up the role of President as we move into this new era. Advancing professionalism in fundraising is an ever more important focus for our members, who are responding to their own members’ needs for training that tracks the changes and trends in fundraising and giving. A key focus for EFA moving forward will be on developing our support to help them provide that, and be strong advocates for the sector across their countries, just as we’ll be enhancing EFA’s own advocacy across Europe.

"Working alongside Eva, our new Executive Director, I’m looking forward to helping reshape EFA over the coming year. We will start by listening to our members to explore how we can all work together to make the most of what has always been a creative and ambitious network of national fundraising associations."