Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, The New York Times investigated her spending habits. The report, led by journalist Emily Steele, Ellis’ Expenses It may be a more extravagant endeavor than is typical for a nonprofit leader.
The findings revealed that Ellis spent nearly $500,000 on a seven-bedroom villa in Switzerland for a week to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos. Additionally, GLAAD covered $60,000 in expenses for Ellis and a colleague to attend the Cannes Lions advertising summit in France. Other notable expenses included $18,000 in home renovations, including a new chandelier, and more than 30 first-class flights, all recorded over an 18-month period.
Questionable financial practices
The investigation raised concerns about whether those expenses met nonprofit standards and IRS regulations. “It appears she fell into a trap of overspending,” said Michael West, a nonprofit lawyer.
High salaries come under scrutiny
Ellis’ annual salary, which has ranged from $700,000 to $1.3 million, has come under fire, but Ferraro said, “In reality, it is impossible for Ellis to receive $1 million per year, and he has never received anything close to that amount under this contract.” The salary is in recognition of Ellis’s work in revitalizing GLAAD and significantly increasing the organization’s revenue to $19 million by 2022.
About GLAAD
GladThe Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting LGBTQ acceptance and ensuring fair representation in the media. Founded in 1985, GLAAD is committed to changing the narrative about LGBTQ people and issues through advocacy, education, and impactful campaigns. The organization plays a vital role in holding the media accountable and amplifying the voices of the LGBTQ community.
Addressing costs
GLAAD spokesman Rich Ferraro defended Ellis’ spending. He explained that many of these expenses are essential to GLAAD’s mission, such as building relationships with donors and attending key events. He emphasized that the Davos trip was covered by a donation from the Ariadne Getty Foundation, a longtime GLAAD supporter.
Ellis herself responded to the controversy in a statement, saying, “I take my role as GLAAD’s financial steward very seriously and will continue to update our procedures to keep up with the organization’s rapid growth. As attacks against the LGBTQ community escalate, our work is more urgent than ever.”
Glad Board Support
Despite the controversy, GLAAD’s board of directors remains steadfast in its support of Ellis. Board chair Liz Jenkins voiced her unwavering support, saying, “The board and I stand firmly behind Sarah Kate Ellis, and we respect and appreciate the way she and her team are leading this movement at a time when our community is under attack. We have every confidence that they will act with integrity and share the board’s unwavering commitment to strong governance and business practices.”
The board previously hired the law firm Sheppard Mullin to investigate the expense concerns and recommend updates to its travel policy. After the investigation, GLAAD’s CFO, Emily Plauché, who initially raised the concerns, left the organization.
This story is ongoing.
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Source: Gayety – gayety.co
