Executive Compensation at Alliance Defending Freedom (2022)

The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501 (c) 3 that is described as a conservative  legal advocacy group that works to curtail rights of LGBTQ people while expanding “christian practices” in public schools and government (who serve all people), and to prevent access to a woman’s right to choose. How do they do this? Primarily through challenges in the legal system and taking on cases that further their mission and goals including the most recent case about a Colorado-based web page designer who “does not want to” (note:  she hasn’t been asked to) create wedding websites for gay couples.

Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, ADF “is committed to transforming law and culture so true freedom can flourish” which indicates that ADF has their own meaning of “true” as it applies to their beliefs and no others.  On their website, ADF states they are a “faith based 501c3 that legally defends the First Amendment rights of free speech and religious liberty” and that they are the “world’s largest legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, parental rights, and God’s design for marriage and family.” Really?  Sounds more like ADF is a tax-exempt organization committed to protecting their religious freedom, their free speech, and their design for marriage and family.

ADF has 8 independent voting members (board members) of its governing body although the website lists 15 board members (11 males and 4 females) and the Form 990 lists 8.

In 2022, ADF reported total revenue of $104 million (compared to $79 million in 2021 and $65 million in 2020), most of which came from contributions, gifts, and grants ($97 million).  Expenses totaled $79 million (not including $2 million in depreciation) – 76% of revenue – with the largest expense reported to be compensation.  395 employees received $44 million in compensation which equates to an average compensation of $111,000 annually.  However, only 45 employees received more than $100,000 with the 12 most highly compensated reported to be:

• $644,724:  Michael Farris, President and CEO
• $424,224:  Kristen Waggoner, General Counsel
• $326,986:  Wayne Swindler, EVP, Finance and Administration
• $308,539:  John Bursch, VP of Appellate Advocacy
• $295,961:  Tim Chandler, Sr Counsel
• $257,052:  Jeffrey Ventrella, Sr Counsel, SVP of Training
• $260,686:  Jeremy Tedesco, Sr Counsel, VP of US Advocacy
• $255,731:  David Cortman, Sr Counsel, VP of US Litigation
• $276,389:  Lance Bauslaugh, SVP of Development
• $270,644:  Rebecca Eggleston, Chief of Staff to General Counsel
• $256,561:  Tony Johnson, SVP of Operations and Direct Response
• $240,180:  Glen Lavy, Corporate Counsel

The 12 most highly compensated employees (10 males and 2 females) received nearly $4 million in compensation.

Alan Sears (a founder)  departed ADF in July, 2019 and pursuant to a separation agreement, he received nearly $500,000 over his regular compensation (for a total of $800,000 in 2020) and an additional $500,000 in 2021. Mr. Sears did not receive compensation in 2022.

ADF paid for first class or charter travel, and companion travel.  See the Form 990, Schedule J, Part III, Supplemental Information for more detail.

To read the IRS Form 990 (2021 for the year ending June 30, 2022), click here.