Executive Compensation at Alliance Defending Freedom (2023)

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 6 independent voting members (board members) of its governing body although the the Form 990 lists 9 (6 are male while 3 are female).

In 2023, ADF reported total revenue of $102 million.  Expenses totaled $97 million (including $2 million in depreciation) – 95% of revenue – with the largest expense reported to be compensation.  439 employees received $51 million in compensation which equates to an average compensation of $116,000 annually.  However, only 119 employees received more than $100,000 with the 13 most highly compensated reported to be:

• $880,771:  Michael Farris, President and CEO until 9/22; advisor to President to 12/22
• $509,754:  Kristen Waggoner, General Counsel
• $383,299:  Tony Johnson, SVP of Operations and Direct Response (to 9/22 or 3 months)
• $346,220:  Tim Chandler, Sr Counsel
• $343,445:  Lance Bauslaugh, SVP of Development
• $341,348:  John Bursch, VP of Appellate Advocacy
• $333,602:  Wayne Swindler, EVP, Finance and Administration
• $321,882:  Rebecca Eggleston, Chief of Staff to General Counsel (to 8/22 or 2 months)
• $293,659:  Ryan Bangert, SVP of Strategic Initiatives and Special Counsel to President
• $280,421:  Jeremy Tedesco, Sr Counsel, VP of US Advocacy
• $277,193:  David Cortman, Sr Counsel, VP of US Litigation
• $269,659:  Jeffrey Ventrella, Sr Counsel, SVP of Training
• $241,777:  Glen Lavy, Corporate Counsel (to 3/23 or 9 months)

The 13 most highly compensated employees (10 males and 2 females) received nearly $5 million in compensation.  The 3 most highly compensated employees in. 2023 received $6 million in compensation from 2018-2023 (note:  highly compensated employees in any year from 2018-2022 but not in 2023 are not included):

• 2023:  $880,771
• 2022:  $644,724
• 2021:  $503,909
• 2020:  $482,208
• 2019:  $458,820
• 2018:  $402,799

• 2023:  $509,754
• 2022:  $424,224
• 2021:  $336,865
• 2020:  $296,580
• 2019:  $261,693
• 2018:  $240,219

• 2023:  $383,299
• 2022:  $256,561
• 2021:  $230,944
• 2020:  $190,745
• 2019:  $171,758
• 2018:  $171,750

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 or 2023.

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.