What Is the Goodwill CEO’s Salary? Full Breakdown and Facts
What is the Goodwill CEO’s salary? Many people wonder about this when they realize Goodwill earns billions annually. Though Goodwill is a nonprofit, its CEO receives a salary, just as leaders in other big companies or charities do.
Let’s break this down in a way anyone can understand.
Understanding the Role of a Nonprofit CEO
To know why a CEO is paid a certain amount, you should look at the responsibilities of the job. The CEO is the highest-ranking person in the organization. In Goodwill Industries International, this job covers:
This is a big job. And like any other big job, it comes with a high level of responsibility and expectations.
What Is the Goodwill CEO’s Salary?
According to public financial reports, the CEO of Goodwill Industries International, Steven C. Preston, earned about $650,989 in total compensation. This number includes:
This amount is not unusual for someone leading a nationwide nonprofit organization with over $6 billion in annual revenue and over 3,000 stores across North America.
Is That Salary Too High?
At first glance, a salary of over $650,000 may seem very high, especially for a nonprofit. But here’s why many say it’s reasonable:
Also, according to nonprofit watchdogs, over 85% of Goodwill’s funds go directly into community programs—not into high executive salaries.
CEO Pay at Local Goodwill Organizations
Goodwill Industries is made up of independent regional organizations, and each one has its own CEO. These local CEOs earn different amounts based on the size and location of the organization.
Some local CEOs of large Goodwill groups earn between $400,000 to $900,000 per year. These salaries are based on:
This structure allows Goodwill to serve communities better, as each local office has its own leadership.
What Do People Say About the Salary?
Some people believe that a nonprofit CEO should not make that much money. Others say that to attract skilled leaders, the salary must be competitive.
Here’s what many agree on:
So, while the number may seem big, it’s part of how large nonprofit organizations operate.
Why It’s Important to Know
The Goodwill CEO’s salary helps people see how their donations are used. It also supports openness. People wish that the majority of their donations go toward helping those in need and not to big salaries.
According to the financial records, most of the money raised by Goodwill is spent on programs, services and helping people find jobs.
