early in his career, speckhardt was a fundraiser for various causes, including aids research and wildlife conservation, and worked on the "world difference campaign" of the anti-defamation league. he worked for the interfaith alliance from 1995 to 2001 as deputy director in charge of staff. speckhardt worked as the director of membership and programs of the american humanist association for four years, is executive director. the american humanist association is the oldest and one of the largest groups of humanists and atheists in the united states.