Executive Compensation at Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is a New York City based non-profit organization that raises about $50 million a year. With a focus on advocacy and support for individuals and families affected by autism, Autism Speaks spends about $45 out of every $100 on compensation related expenses.

In 2016, Autism Speaks spent $21.5 million on compensation-related expenses and $10 million on fees for services outside the organization.  The $21.5 million was used to compensate 263 individuals which equates to $82,000 each although 49 individuals received more than $100,000 in compensation.  The most 13 highly compensated individuals were:

• $451,121:  Angela Geiger, President (beginning February, 2016)
• $365,627:  Robert H Ring, Former CSO (through January, 2016)
• $332,759:  Gareth Thomas, COO
• $280,735:  Lisa Goring, Chief Program and Marketing Officer
• $277,794:  Andy Shih, SP Public Health Research
• $263,216:  Mathew Fletcher, VP Science
• $262,284:  Peter Morton, VP Corporate Development
• $243,724:  Karen Robinson, CFO (beginning January, 2016)
• $233,843:  Elizabeth Feld, Former President (through February, 2016)
• $220,633:  Paul Wang, SVP, Medical Research (through November, 2016)
• $210,661:  Amy Schoeman, Chief HR Officer
• $204,556:  John Gruber, EVP Finance and Admin (through January, 2016)
• $204,436:  Donna Murray, VP Science Clinical Programs

As illustrated above, $3.5 million was provided in compensation to the 13 individuals above,  7 of whom were men and 6 were women.  There was turnover in the organization with four of the above staff departing the organization.  Three employees received severance payments (included above):

• Robert Ring:  $336,843
• John Gruber:  $175,000
• Elizabeth Feld:  $123,171

The IRS Form 990 (2016) also reports the Advertising Council (which has common board members) was compensated $373,576 for an education campaign.

To read the IRS Form 990 (2016), click here.