[pct-l] PCTA rating by CharityNavigator

Tue Nov 22 14:07:38 CST 2011

Having read and re-read your diatribe a few times and still not being able to understand what you’re trying to say I can only offer that there is a Board of Directors in place that determines compensation for any and all employees of PCTA.  It is THEIR responsibility to do so.  Each of us is entitled to our opinion and if one feels financial affairs are not being properly dealt with, they can vote with their wallets and take their money elsewhere.  However, I found this entire tread to be in poor taste and, frankly, something that we could do without.

Good luck with your “research.”  The rest of us are planning our hikes.

From: Charles Doersch 
Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 10:03 AM
To: chiefcowboy at verizon.net 
Cc: Paul Bodnar ; pct-L backcountry.net 
Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCTA rating by CharityNavigator

Of course, comparing those on the list that might question proper pay for proper work as "occupy wall street" types is a simple-minded double-fallacy of straw man and false analogy. So we know we're not dealing with reason or logic from that quarter. Back to sensible conversation. 

And the question isn't whether Liz is doing a great job. One can be doing a great job and still be either overpaid or underpaid. So that's a false comparison.

It's also not a question of the list of stuff the director is responsible for -- the list is irrelevant if we don't know the context of how that list compares to the what others elsewhere in the same sort of position, in relevant organizations (with relevant limited financial resources), with relevant industry experience, etc. get paid. What does this type of job with these tasks generally pay -- what is the range -- what is the bell curve of compensation in a cash-strapped non-profit such as the PCTA for such work?

We also operate in a larger context of the not-uncommon practice in the US of disproportionate compensation for top managers. So the question and the concern is fair -- and it may well turn out that the PCTA is AOK when it comes to compensation. But the question can sensibly and non-mean-spiritedly be asked. It isn't personal.

I guess until I get answers for those questions (and I'm a good researcher and can work on this), we four will be holding off on re-newing our membership. We're not rolling in dough here, and since we watch every nickel in order to afford to hike on the PCT, I guess it's reasonable to hope the PCTA watches the nickels we send their way with at least as much diligence.

Cheers,

~Charles & the gang.

On Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 10:43 AM, <chiefcowboy at verizon.net> wrote:

  NAY.

  -----Original Message----- From: Charles Doersch
  Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 8:55 AM
  To: Paul Bodnar
  Cc: pct-L backcountry.net 

  Subject: Re: [pct-l] PCTA rating by CharityNavigator

  All in favor of the directorship reducing its salary commensurate to
  organizations of similar size, similar limited funds, and similar
  membership say AYE.

  AYE.

  ~Charles Doersch

  And AYE from Sean McCollum
  Aye from Matt Holmes
  Aye from Chris Corl

  [And we're all members of the PCTA]. 

  On Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 9:25 AM, Paul Bodnar <paulbodnar at hotmail.com> wrote:

    Thank you for the link and information.  I also believe the compensation
    for the Executive Director is excessive.  According to the PCTA website,
    PCTA has a staff of eight and a compensation of $99,296 or 5.82% of
    expenses for the executive director appears to work against the primary
    mission of the PCTA.  There are only about 7800 members according to the
    PCTA.  So effectively $12.73 comes out of each annual membership donation
    to compensate a single employee.

    The PCTA states "The mission of the Pacific Crest Trail Association is to
    protect, preserve and promote the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail as an
    internationally significant resource for the enjoyment of hikers and
    equestrians, and for the value that wild and scenic lands provide to all
    people."

    I hope the PCTA gets back to spending membership donations on the mission
    of the PCTA and less on executive compensation.

    Sincerely,

    Paul Bodnar

    > I was shocked to see Executive Director, Liz Bergeron's compensation of
    $100,000.
    >
    > http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=11449

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