Meet the New CEO: Kyle Clifford
Kyle Clifford joined amfAR in 2020 with more than 20 years’ experience across both the private and nonprofit sector in senior new business development, fundraising, and strategic donor development roles. As Chief Development Officer at amfAR, he oversees amfAR’s overall fundraising program, which includes all individual and institutional giving as well as corporate sponsorship, direct mail, e-philanthropy, and a robust special events program that raises tens of millions of dollars annually through benefit events in the U.S. and internationally.
Looking ahead to stepping into the role of amfAR’s chief executive officer, he took the time to map out his vision.
On taking the helm at amfAR: It is with immense pride and deep gratitude that I step into the role of CEO, inheriting an organization that has made momentous progress under Kevin’s stellar leadership. Leading such a highly respected global foundation, one that upholds the highest standards and is powered by a team of passionate, committed, and exceptionally talented individuals—is for me an honor and a profound responsibility.
Above all, I am committed to ensuring we remain steadfast in our mission to make AIDS history, always remembering where we came from, the communities we seek to support, and our role as a driving force in advancing biomedical research in other areas.
On his top priorities: The first is our unwavering commitment to finding a cure for HIV, ensuring that groundbreaking research continues while advocating for the critical global funding required to end the epidemic. This remains at the heart of our mission.
The second is strategically expanding our biomedical research efforts into other critical areas, leveraging our innovative research and funding model to maximize impact where it is needed most. As we advance, we will also integrate a comprehensive AI strategy to enhance and accelerate all our efforts.
On becoming CEO at one of the nation’s leading HIV/AIDS organizations as a person living with HIV: I step into this role as an HIV-positive man, alive today only because of organizations like amfAR and the brave visionaries who fought for people like me. My primary focus will always be to ensure we fulfill our mission and end AIDS.
For me, this is deeply personal. When I hear about the impact of policy decisions on people living with HIV, I don’t just understand it—I feel it. Right now, across the world, people are waking up uncertain of their future, many grappling with the devastating reality that they may not survive. That drives me. It sharpens my focus and strengthens my resolve to accelerate our progress toward a cure
Working at amfAR has given me the opportunity to fully embrace my own journey. And as CEO, I want people to know that the person sitting at this desk is not just leading the fight for a cure—I am living that fight every single day.
Click Here to read more from the May 2025 issue of amfAR INNOVATIONS.
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