Inaccurate information regarding the salaries of CEOs at large charities often circulates, particularly during peak donation seasons. These misleading emails and social media posts frequently misrepresent the compensation of the American Red Cross’s president and CEO. They sometimes even get the CEO’s name wrong, erroneously mentioning Marty J. Evans, who departed from the Red Cross many years ago.
Gail McGovern has held the position of president and CEO of the American Red Cross for the past 11 years. In 2018, her compensation was $694,000, reflecting her role in leading the nation’s largest humanitarian organization. McGovern oversees all of the Red Cross’s life-saving services. Each year, the organization provides shelter, food, and comfort to victims of over 60,000 disasters, supplies approximately 40 percent of the nation’s blood, teaches life-saving skills, and supports military members, veterans, and their families. It’s important to note that McGovern’s compensation doesn’t come from public donations designated for disaster relief.
The American Red Cross takes pride in its high ratings for accountability and transparency from independent nonprofit watchdogs, including Charity Navigator and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. On average, 90 cents of every dollar spent is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need. The remaining 10 cents supports the essential day-to-day business operations that keep the entire Red Cross running effectively.
The Red Cross aims to use donations efficiently to maximize impact. Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of how the organization operates. This ensures that donor contributions are directed towards the intended purpose of humanitarian aid.
The American Red Cross’s audited financial statements and full IRS Form 990, which detail revenues, expenses, and other significant financial data, are publicly available on redcross.org/publications and other platforms like GuideStar. These resources provide comprehensive insight into the organization’s financial health and practices.
