Executive Compensation at Feed the Children (2024)

Feed the Children (FTC) is a tax-exempt non-profit 501 (c) (3) based in Oklahoma City, OK.  Established in 1979, FTC is primarily engaged in obtaining and distributing food, medicine, and clothing to those in need through grants, primarily to non-profits in the USA.

FTC is governed by 14 independent voting members (directors) of the governing body (Board of Directors);  8 (57%) of whom are male and 6 (43%) whom are female.

In 2024, FTC reported total revenue of $409 million (nearly $100 million less than in 2023).  Most revenue (86%)  – $352 million – were non-cash contributions. The $57 million in cash revenue came from contributions ($49 million), grants from the gov’t ($7 million) and other income ($1 million).

In 2024, FTC collected $57 million in cash contributions, gifts, and grants and gains/investment income and spent $51 million on organization expenses and $26 million on cash grants – essentially spending $20 million more than the organization raised, which was possible because Feed the Children had $185 million in net assets and could absorb the excess expenses in 2024.

Of the $51 million in organization expenses, $20 million was used to compensate the 214 employees (an average of $93,000).

40 employees received more than $100,000 in compensation with the 12 most highly compensated employees reported to be:

• $531,160:  Travis Arnold, Director, CEO
• $396,745:  Bregeita Jefferson, Chief International Operations Officer
• $382,780:  Colleen Ridenhour, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer
• $258,030:  Gary Sloan, COO
• $256,293:  Christy Tharp, CFO
• $235,715:  Mike Panas, CIO
• $228,635:  Bob Thomas, CAO
• $219,169:  Rick Ross, VP, Corporate Partnerships
• $203,720:  Greg Garen, FCTC President*
• $190,662:  Harper Grubbs, VP, Digital Fundraising
• $185,898:  Anna Averling, VP, Direct Marketing
• $174,082:  David Walters, VP, Development

7 of the 12 (58%) most highly compensated employees are male while 5 of the 12 (42%) are female.

The most highly compensated employee was Travis Arnold, the Director and CEO who received $531,160 followed by Bregeita Jefferson who received $396,645 in 2024.  The five (5) most highly compensated employees in 2024 received nearly $10 million in compensation from 2018-2024 (note:  highly compensated employees in any year 2018-2023 but not in 2024 are not included):

Travis Arnold:  Total Compensation 2018-2024:  $3 million

• 2024:  $531,160
• 2023:  $444,390
• 2022:  $427,661
• 2021:  $381,792
• 2020:  $376,823
• 2019:  $397,019
• 2018:  $367,314

Bregeita Jefferson:  Total Compensation 2020-2024:  $2 million

• 2024:  $396,645
• 2023:  $355,953
• 2022:  $277,377
• 2021:  $235,600
• 2020:  $221,887

Colleen Ridenhour:  Total Compensation 2018-2024:  $0.6 million

• 2024:  $382,780
• 2023:  $217,141

Gary Sloan:  Total Compensation 2018-2024:  $2 million

• 2024:  $258,030
• 2023:  $244,822
• 2022:  $237,507
• 2021:  $231,187
• 2020:  $219,126
• 2019:  $219,685
• 2018:  $186,170

Christy Tharp:  Total Compensation 2018-2024:  $2 million

• 2024:  $256,293
• 2023:  $242,123
• 2022:  $234,087
• 2021:  $235,600
• 2020:  $221,887
• 2019:  $233,888
• 2018:  $215,698

Feed the Children paid for first class or charter travel.  See the Form 990, Schedule J, Part III, Supplemental Information for details.

6 independent contractors received more than $100,000 in compensation with the 5 most highly compensated listed below:

• $297,006:  BDO USA, of Dallas, TX for professional services
• $260,982  Mark Weimer, PC, of Oklahoma City, OK, for legal services
• $341,475:   Total Benefit Solutions, of Lubbock, TX for payroll services
• $812,753:  Adstra, LLC, of Pittsburgh, PA, for list acquisition services
• $213,150:  P & M Holding LLP, of Chicago, IL for auditing services

It is important to note FTC paid $232,500 to Jordan Associates, a brand and marketing firm that a board member owns more than 35%, for services, but Jordan Associates is not listed above for an unknown reason.

To read the IRS Form 990 (2023 for the year ending June 30, 2024), click here.