Microsoft Official Chosen as CEO of Charity Navigator

Earlier this year we wrote about Charity Navigator, one of the top nonprofit evaluators in the country, parting ways with their CEO Ken Berger who had led the organization for nearly seven  years. Charity Navigator has now chosen Berger’s replacement. Michael Thatcher, a Microsoft official, will serve as the organization’s new chief executive.

Thatcher spent 15 years at Microsoft; most recently, he has been the company’s public-sector technology officer in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. He serves on the board of Keystone Accountability, a group that is developing Feedback Commons as a way for charities to share resources.

The board of directors was impressed with Michael’s technical experience, outstanding leadership skills, collaborative approach to problem solving, and enthusiasm for our mission – John Dugan, Charity Navigator’s chairman

Ex-CEO Ken Berger stated in his departure that Charity Navigator wanted someone with a stronger technology background as it attempts to increase the number of nonprofits it evaluates. Mr. Thatcher stated that the group’s new direction will go beyond reporting financials and board composition to include a greater focus to the way charities measure results.

Visit the Chronicle of Philanthropy for more information.