That should have been the headline for the new task force. Instead, the Governor rolls out a new task force to "investigate the executive and administrator compensation levels at not-for-profits that receive taxpayer support from the state." All because of a few bad apples and an expose in the media, the nonprofit sector is bestowed with this helpful committee that will reform the apparent abuses across the sector. A sector where the majority of nonprofit directors make below $50,000. A sector that puts mission before profit and compensation. As NY Council of Nonprofits CEO Doug Sauer points out in the news interview below, what about a member of this very task force, who runs a nonprofit institution receiving NYS tax dollars, that is compensated at almost $2 million? Maybe the task force should look internally first. And what about for profit businesses who receive NYS tax dollar support and their employee compensation? That would keep the task force and the media very busy. It seems that the big picture was definitely missed here, including an opportunity to address these perceived longstanding compensation problems (like the small number nonprofit Execs who are being compensated at problematic and questionable levels). Let's look at these issues and address them, but let's look at the majority of the nonprofit sector and the low pay and other challenges (like NYS contract payments) that are the true problems. Let's strengthen our nonprofit sector with business operations support. Help them build better boards of directors, become entrepreneurial, attract the best and brightest people and provide the important services and programs we all depend on them for.
