A New York Times article accuses GLAAD President/CEO Sarah Kate Ellis of lavish spending that may conflict with IRS regulations.
The piece begins with an account of Ellis visiting the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in early 2023. It mentions how “Ellis made her way from a seat in Delta’s most exclusive cabin to a waiting Mercedes. It was there to chauffeur her to the Swiss Alps, where she and her colleagues would stay at the Tivoli Lodge, a seven-bedroom chalet that cost nearly half a million dollars to rent for the week.”
Other expenditures included “a Cape Cod summer rental and nearly $20,000 to remodel her home office, which was outfitted with a chandelier, among other accouterments.” All of this spending was allegedly in addition to a salary that is estimated to be “into the high six or low seven figures.” The Hollywood Reporter noted that Ellis, who has been with GLAAD for 10 years now, “re-upped with GLAAD in 2022 by signing a new contract that extends through 2027. Per the report, Ellis received a base salary of $441,000, with automatic 5 percent increases per year along with bonuses tied to fundraising, though she could receive anywhere from $700,000 to $1.3 million per year.” GLAAD spokesperson Rich Ferraro told The Hollywood Reporter, “In practice, it is impossible for Ms. Ellis to receive $1 million in a year, and she has not received anything near that on this contract.”
While the alleged spending figures are high, at least some of it may have violated IRS rules, according to nonprofit experts the Times consulted. Last year, GLAAD Chief Financial Officer Emily Plauche warned Board Chair Liz Jenkins about what she said was excessive spending that conflicted with the organization’s policies; after an investigation, GLAAD changed its travel policies.
Ferraro denied that Ellis traveled lavishly and defended the group’s spending on her home improvements and summer housing, saying they allowed her to advance the organization’s mission.
The media outlet reviewed internal documents, and interviewed current and former employees as well as others with knowledge of GLAAD’s operations.
The article has some speculating on the Times’ motive for publishing such an item, given how GLAAD has criticized the media outlet. Even The Times acknowledged it has been a frequent target of criticism, with GLAAD recently stating that the news organization has published inaccurate and biased pieces about trans-related issues. (The Times has said it stands by its work.)