AJ Kiehner is thrilled to be joining the development team at National Sawdust, transitioning from leadership roles with various non-profits in New York over the past decade. Most recently, he held the title of Associate Director of Development at the Metropolitan Opera Guild, where he oversaw fundraising budgets and pipelines, donor relations, and gala and cultivation events. Prior to joining the Metropolitan Opera Guild he worked in tour and artist management at Opus 3 Artists, and managed events and special projects at both the Leonard Bernstein Office and The Garden Club of America. He holds bachelor's degrees in Journalism and Vocal Music Performance, both from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.

Born in the suburbs of Philadelphia, he currently lives in Hudson Yards with his fiancé, Jacob, and their rescue dog, Archie. AJ is an active Young Leader at The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. He is a frequent marathon runner and enjoys theater, traveling, reading, and an extra dirty gin martini.