Leader Behind Big Temecula Valley Fundraising Event Takes Hefty Salary Cut

If you have participated in the annual Komen Inland Empire Race for the Cure in Temecula or have donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, you may find this news of interest.

The Associated Press has reported that Susan G. Komen for the Cure founder Nancy Brinker has reduced her annual pay by $158,700.

With the death of sister, Brinker launched the giant fundraising effort aimed at finding a cure for breast cancer. Then in the summer of 2012, Brinker announced she would step down as the nonprofit's CEO.

Brinker's reduced annual salary of $390,000 -- down from $548,700 in 2012 -- is compensation for her new role as global strategy chair, The AP reported.

The Dallas Morning News reports that Brinker's new salary is actually 42 percent lower than in 2011 when she was being paid $673,215 in salary and performance bonuses.

As part of the recent news, Dr. Judith A. Salerno was named president and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in June and her annual salary is $475,000, according to The AP report.

According to a October 2013 report from CNN, the Komen salaries may be considered low by some when compared to compensations for heads of other nonprofits. For example, the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of America earned $1.85 million n 2011, according to the CNN report.

The CNN report was compiled using data from Charity Navigator, a nonprofit organization that aims to "guide intelligent giving." According to Charity Navigator, administrative expenses for Susan G. Komen for the Cure comprised 6.5 percent of its budget for the fiscal year ending 2012.

As The AP and The Dallas Morning News point out, Susan G. Komen for the Cure was in the spotlight in 2012 when it decided to stop giving grants to Planned Parenthood for breast cancer screenings. Following public criticism, that decision was reversed.

The 15th annual Komen Inland Empire Race for the Cure took place in Temecula on October 20. 2013. The organization works to raise funds for Susan G. Komen and is an affiliate of the large nonprofit. 

Registration for a 2014 Inland Empire race is not yet posted on the Komen Inland Empire website. However, the organization is planning a March 1, 2014 "Paws for the Cure" at Murrieta Town Square Park. Click here for more information about that event.