GLAAD’s Sarah Kate Ellis Under Fire After New York Times Investigation Into Spending, Expenses

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GLAAD’s Sarah Kate Ellis Under Fire After New York Times Investigation Into Spending, Expenses

As a seasoned gamer who has navigated countless virtual worlds and battles against formidable opponents, I find myself drawn to this real-world saga of Sarah Kate Ellis and GLAAD. Having spent countless hours scrutinizing game mechanics, budget management, and character development, I can’t help but see parallels between my gaming experiences and the events unfolding at GLAAD.

Sarah Kate Ellis, leader of GLAAD, faces criticism after a report published by The New York Times on Thursday scrutinized her financial dealings during her tenure as the organization’s president and CEO.

The article outlines several months’ worth of expenditures such as pricey travel expenses, a lease in trendy summer getaway Provincetown, Rhode Island, home improvements financed by GLAAD, a notable organization that advocates for balanced media representation of the LGBTQ community.

According to an investigation by Emily Steel of the New York Times, it was found that Ellis spent around half a million dollars on renting a seven-bedroom chalet in Switzerland for a week during the World Economic Forum in Davos. Additionally, she reportedly charged about $18,000 for renovating her Long Island home, which included a new chandelier. Over an 18-month period, Ellis took over 30 first-class flights. GLAAD allegedly covered expenses of around $60,000 for Ellis and its COO Darra Gordon to attend the Cannes Lions advertising summit in France. Furthermore, it is reported that Ellis’s salary is in the high six figures.

Steel alleges that Ellis’ spending patterns resemble those typical in for-profit businesses rather than nonprofit organizations, and some expenses may contradict IRS regulations. Michael West, a legal advisor to charities at the New York Council of Nonprofits, suggested to the Times that Ellis might have overstepped spending boundaries.

Rich Ferraro, a representative from GLAAD, explained that many of Ellis’ expenses, such as travel, renovations, and summer rentals, served to further the organization’s mission or connect her with donors. He clarified that the Davos trip was funded by a contribution made by the Ariadne Getty Foundation, a longtime benefactor of GLAAD.

Ellis emphasized that taking care of GLAAD’s finances is a significant responsibility for him, and they will consistently improve their financial processes to match the organization’s fast development. In a statement, he mentioned that the importance of their work has never been greater because the LGBTQ community faces escalating threats.

Since 2014, Ellis has maintained her role at GLAAD. In 2022, she renewed her contract with the organization, which now extends until 2027. According to recent reports, Ellis’s base salary is $441,000, with annual increases of 5% and performance-based bonuses related to fundraising. Her potential yearly earnings range from approximately $700,000 to $1.3 million. However, GLAAD’s Ferraro clarified to The Hollywood Reporter that Ellis is unlikely to earn a million dollars in a single year, and her actual earnings under this contract have not reached anywhere near that amount.

As a seasoned professional who has worked in several organizations, I have seen my fair share of financial concerns and their subsequent investigations. In this case, it seems that Emily Plauché, GLAAD’s Chief Financial Officer, took it upon herself to flag spending issues within the organization, which she brought to the attention of Liz Jenkins, Chairwoman for the board of directors. This is commendable as it shows a commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Jenkins expressed strong support for Sarah Kate Ellis, acknowledging her team’s leadership during challenging times. He stated that he holds her in high regard and appreciates their efforts. Furthermore, he expressed full trust in their actions, believing they act with integrity and uphold the board’s values of robust governance and ethical business practices.”

In response to an investigation, THR contacted GLAAD for a comment, and a representative from GLAAD criticized The Times by highlighting the strained relationship between the two entities. Since 2023, GLAAD has been critical of The New York Times’ coverage of the LGBTQ community, particularly its reporting on the transgender community. Ellis, among others, has accused The Times of publishing “inaccurate and irresponsible” content regarding the transgender community. This misinformation is often exploited by conservative politicians, which further complicates issues such as access to healthcare and other services.

It’s unfortunate yet unsurprising, given the current rise in LGBTQ violence and anti-LGBTQ laws, that The New York Times devoted substantial efforts to write a negative piece about GLAAD, authored by Emily Steel, who previously criticized GLAAD and other LGBTQ leaders for their concerns over transgender coverage in The New York Times. As Rich Ferraro from GLAAD explained to THR, the article is tabloid-like in nature and omits much of our valuable advocacy work. It presents a biased view of the organization, which consistently receives high ratings from charity evaluators. The Times should instead focus on improving its coverage of transgender people.

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2024-08-02 01:55