Executive Compensation at United Way (2021)

United Way is one of the most recognizable charitable organizations in the United States and throughout the world.  In the United States, “United Way” generally refers to United Way Worldwide (formerly United Way of America) and/or one of the 1,100 local offices in 37 countries and territories that operate as separate 501 (c) (3)’s.

United Way Worldwide is the leadership and support organization for the whole United Way network. Each organization collects funds and makes grants to local organizations, and also contributes a portion of the revenue collected to United Way Worldwide to support oversight operations.

Based in Alexandria, Virginia, United Way Worldwide (UWW) is known as the organization that raises revenue to distribute to other non-profits through grants. In 2021, UWW awarded 36% of revenue in grants (compared to 66% in 2020), primarily to other United Way organizations.

In 2021, UWW reported total revenue of $113 million (compared to $255 million in 2020), most of which came from contributions, gifts, and grants.

Expenses totaled $109 million with the 3 largest expenses reported to be grants ($41 million), compensation ($33 million) and fees for services by non-employees – primarily consultants ($26 million). In comparing expenses to the previous year, it appears United Way, when faced with a decline in revenues, cut grants drastically while maintaining staff and consultants (to a lesser extent).

In 2021, 286 employees received $33 million in compensation (compared to 274 employees who received $36 million in compensation in 2020), which equates to $115,000 per employee.  114 employees received more than $100,000 in compensation with the 16 most highly compensated reported to be:

• $3,622,146:  Brian Gallagher, President and CEO (to 2/9/21)
• $   448,247:  Neeraj Mehta, Board Member, Interim CEO (3/1/21-10/15/21)
• $   440,015:  Stanley Little, Chief Experience Officer
• $   405,259:  Jose Ferrao, International President
• $   386,523:  Mark Sutton, CFO
• $   379,356:  Lee Love, Chief Investor Relations Officer
• $   369,364:  Steve Taylor, SVP and Counsel, Public Policy
• $   348,681:  Patricia Turner, SVP and General Counsel  (to 12/17/21)
• $   314,075:  John Taylor, Chief Information Officer
• $   304,376:  Kevin Claybon, SVP, Data Research and Insights
• $   298,584:  Suzanne McCormick, President, US Network
• $   297,204:  Christina MacVeigh, SVP, Network Engagement
• $   294,275:  Brian LaChance, SVP and Chief of Staff
• $   198,033:  Lori Malcolm, Chief Culture Officer (to 3/28/21)
• $   191,694:  William Browning, Chief Strategy Officer (to 4/2/21)
• $   177,540:  Angela Williams, CEO (beginning 10/15/21)

The 16 most highly compensated employees received more than $8 million in compensation.  10 of the 16 (63%) most highly compensated employees are male while 6 (37%) are female.  The most highly compensated employee was Brian Gallagher, the President and CEO who received $3.6 million in compensation in 2021 (although he left on 2./9/21).  Mr. Gallagher received $11 million in compensation from 2015-2021:

• 2021:  $3,622,146
• 2020:  $1,246,713
• 2019:  $1,578,515
• 2018:  $1,076,870
• 2017:  $1,663,398
• 2016:  $1,223,823
• 2015:  $1,236,611

UWW paid for first class or charter travel.  For more information on this expense and the supplemental retirement plan, see the Form 990, Schedule J, Part III, Supplemental Information.

To read the IRS Form 990 (2021), click here.