Executive Compensation at the American Geophysical Union

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) isn’t really a “union” (a trade organization) but instead a tax-exempt non-profit 501 (c) (3) with a reported 130,000 “enthusiasts” interested in Earth and space science. How does AGU do this?  Primarily through publications and meetings.

AGU has 14 independent voting members in its governing body, 7 of whom are male and 7 of whom are female.

In 2019, AGU reported total revenue of $45 million, most of which came from publications and meeting revenue.  Expenses totaled $48 million with the three largest expenses reported to be compensation ($19 million), travel and conferences ($9 million), and fees for services – primarily management and general expenses ($9 million).

166 employees received $19 million in compensation which equates to an average compensation of $115,000.  50 employees received more than $100,000 in compensation with the 17 most highly compensated reported to be:

• $869,783:  Christine McEntee, CEO
• $450,148:  Janice R LaChance, COO
• $424,144:  Royce B Hanson, EVP
• $349,396:  Michael S Andrews, CFO
• $283,672:  Billy Williams, SVP
• $276,613:  Ray R Brodsky, Chief Digital Officer
• $257,313:  Dana D Rehm, SVP
• $252,440:  Alexandra M Shultz, VP
• $248,454:  Lauren M Parr, VP
• $244,018:  Artesha C Moore, VP
• $235,429:  Tracy J Lamondue, VP
• $219,041:  Matthew M Giampoala, VP
• $215,695:  Shelley L Stall, Senior Director
• $185,692:  Rajul E Pandya, Director
• $180,985:  Jessica C Latterman, Director
• $179,819:  Victoria J Forlini, Director
• $162,616:  Karine S Blaufuss, Director

The 17 most highly compensated employees received $5 million in compensation.  11 of the 17 (65%) most highly compensated employees are female while 6 of the 17 (35%) are male.  For a small non-profit organization whose primary source of revenue is publications and meetings, does a CEO really need to be compensated $869,783?

AGU paid for business class and first class travel and companion travel.  For more detailed information on these expenses, see the Form 990, Schedule J, Part III, Supplemental Information.

48 independent contractors received more than $100,000 in compensation with the five (5) most highly compensated reported to be:

• $1,977,998:  HITT Consulting, of Falls Church, VA for consulting services
• $1,546,545:  SMG Food and Beverage, of Conshohocken, PA for catering services
• $1,419,381:  Projection Presentation, of Charlotte, NC for AV services
• $  949,005:  Freeman, of Lanham, MD for exhibit services
• $  867,596:  Marriott International, of Washington, DC for convention venue