GLAAD's Expensive Spending Raises Concerns
- GLAAD's chief executive spent extravagantly on first-class flights and home renovations.
- The spending may have violated I.R.S. rules, causing concerns within the organization.
- Questions are raised about accountability and financial management at GLAAD.
In January 2023, Sarah Kate Ellis, the chief executive of GLAAD, was seen arriving at Zurich airport after a first-class flight, en route to a luxurious stay at the Tivoli Lodge in the Swiss Alps. This extravagant chalet rental, costing nearly $500,000 for the week, was part of a trip funded by GLAAD, a prominent L.G.B.T.Q. advocacy organization with an annual budget of approximately $30 million. Internal documents and interviews reveal that the organization also covered a day of skiing for Ellis and her colleagues. The spending patterns at GLAAD, particularly those associated with Ellis, have raised concerns regarding potential violations of the organization’s policies and Internal Revenue Service regulations. Reports indicate that Ellis frequently traveled in first-class, stayed at high-end hotels like the Waldorf Astoria, and utilized expensive car services for work-related trips. Such expenditures have sparked discussions about the appropriateness of using nonprofit funds for personal luxury. Current and former employees, along with others familiar with GLAAD's operations, have expressed unease over the financial practices under Ellis's leadership. The revelations have prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability within the organization, as stakeholders question whether the spending aligns with GLAAD's mission and values. As GLAAD continues its advocacy work, the scrutiny over its financial management highlights the need for nonprofits to maintain ethical standards in their operations, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively to support their core objectives.