I would wager a guess that there are plenty of individuals who could, likewise, do the same level of work while earning a lot less. Matthew Bershadker is the President & Chief Executive Officer at ASPCA based in New York City, New York. Message and data rates may apply. Seven other ASPCA executives received compensation ranging from more than $300,000 to more than $400,000, in the pay range of the chief executives of the four other most affluent U.S. humane societies. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. Thinking beyond the shelter doesnt mean there isnt a need for sheltering animals in communities, especially when you consider animals seized by law enforcement, lost pets, pets belonging to victims of domestic violence, animals with owners facing illness or housing crises, and animals who need medical or behavioral rehabilitation before they can be adopted. I was surprised to find the shelter overburdened by the challenges of caring for so many animals. HOW MANY ANIMALS CAN BE SAVED WITH THE EXCESSIVE SALARY PAID TO THE CEO? [2] He holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School[3] and a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Ohio University. Mr. Bershadker will assume the position June 1, succeeding Edwin Sayres, President and CEO since 2003. This means Bershadker's pay is more than 6 times the average nonprofit CEO. Explained Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA president Ken White, It is not honest to say to people who live in the San Francisco Bay Area that sending the largest gift you can manage to help the ASPCA in Manhattan is the best way for them to help protect an innocent and helpless animal, a particular animal, an animal not far from where that donor lives., Filed Under: Advocacy, Animal organizations, Animal rights & welfare, Culture & Animals, Feature Home Bottom, Humane history, Religion & philosophy, Shelters, Spay/neuter, USA Tagged With: Gary Rogers, Jim Axelrod, Jo Sullivan, Ken White, Matt Bershadker, Megan Towey, Merritt Clifton, Patti Mercer, Rachel Bailey. The -born President and CEO of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) expert is arguably the worlds most influential Matthew E. Bershadker is expert, with a wide-ranging social media outreach. Millions of eight-dollar-a-month donors, and some $9.70-an-hour journalists, too, have accomplished all of this, and are continuing to accomplish quite a lot more, even as the biggest organizations make the most noise to donors, claiming most of the credit and raking in most of the donations. are aware that i was a cofounder of the group, in 1959, that we registered in 1964 as the Blue Cross of India. Already an animal lover, Bershadker became an animal rights activist and, in 2001, began working at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. As far as these birds not being liked, thats crazy! My friends told me not to give a single cent. The ASPCA clearly stole the playbook from the Sally Strothers commercials of the 1980s that depicted starving children (but no sad pop songs, that I can recall), and similarly traumatized many now middle-aged people. Opinion contributor. While Kaufelts entire comment reeks, I found the above sentence to be particularly deplorable. Thank you for replying. Did ASPCA discover certifying SAFER dog screening might be dangerous? Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President & CEO As many of you know well, the consequences of poverty's impact on dogs, cats, and horses are felt very intensely by community shelters and rescues, The good news is that the animal welfare community is very resilientperhaps taking our cue from irrepressible animals themselves. The ASPCA was established in 1866 by diplomat and animal welfare activist Henry Bergh in New York, where the organization still has its headquarters and offers the majority of its hands-on animal services, including sheltering, assisting with abuse investigations and spay/neuter surgeries. There are currently 1,282 other animal charities in the U.S. with SPCA as part of their name, all separately incorporated, responsible for doing their own fundraising. He lives in New York City with his wife, Nina, son Elias and their dog, Thelma. Further, cattle egretswho officially only arrived in the Americas in 1941are considered an invasive species by ecological nativists, are resented by many birders for colonizing other bird species nests, and older cattle egret hatchlings often push their siblings out of nests, to monopolize parental care. In recognition of the ASPCA's 155th anniversary and the 20th work anniversary of our President and CEO, Matt Bershadker, we checked in with Matt to hear how he got involved in animal welfare and his thoughts on where the field is headed. Why is the ASPCA stonewalling about the deaths of 20 dogs in transport? tornado and Superstorm Sandy. American Tortoise Rescue Its a no win situation. In those four months, only two donorstwo!asked when the electronic edition would become available. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. According to a 2019 national contract with Ascenta Group US, each solicitor was paid $40 a day by Ascenta to solicit donations on behalf of the ASPCA. More and more animal control agencies understand and embrace the idea that keeping pets safely at home and out of shelters is a primary goal. That is $26 million profit while they are asking people to donate $19.00 per month to help them save animals. According to its own 2017 survey, ASPCAsaid 84% of its donors also donated to a local animal charity. Honest national organizations would strive to remediate donor ignorance, not aggressively exploit it. For more information, visitwww.ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram. Matthew's ethnicity is Native American, whose political affiliation is currently a registered Democrat; and religious views are listed as unknown. (Beth Clifton collage). The electronic social media explosion helped to make him a millionaire. Only two more people asked about it after we reluctantly pulled the plug on the project. The focal issue, that the ASPCA not only competes with local organizations for funds but also misleads donors into believing it supports the locals, has come up many times before. Thats subjective. with lot of social media fan he often posts many personal photos and videos to interact with her huge fan base social media plateform. Another $3.65 went toward membership development and other kinds of fundraising. The founder, however, paid herself $72,000 a year, plus $36,000 a year to rent her property. Learn How much net worth Matthew E. is in this year and how he spend his expenses? Board Member. You should give to both. This staggering number includes over 9.8 million dogs and cats living in rental homes and 9.4 million dogs and cats living in owned homes. Together were building the road to a more humane future for both pets and people. At the end of 2020, the ASPCA claimed more than $407 million in assets. This includes things that include appeals for donations like telemarketing and direct mailings. . THANK YOU!!!! And did not get one reply or even a person on the phone. There is no reason they should be making the kind of money they are getting. Artists conception of Matt Bershadker and friend. ", The ASPCA provided the following statement in response to CBS News' questions: "For more than 155 years, the ASPCA has been steadfastly dedicated to our mission 'to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.' Additionally, for each monthly donor signed up by a canvasser, Ascenta Group US would receive a one-time fee of $285. Maybe that is why the BCI has received GuideStars Platinum rating for transparency since 2013 only the Thane SPCA among thousands of humane groups has a similar rating and that too since 2021. Bershadker ascended to the ASPCA presidency on June 1, 2013, the first ASPCA president since Sydney H. Coleman, president from 1930 until his death in 1951, to have worked for the ASPCA in any capacity before being put in charge. ), On April 16, 2020, for instance, ANIMALS 24-7 decried leaders, who despite leading the humane cause blindly in the wrong direction time and again, nonetheless take home more money per year than the total annual budget of your local humane society, and remain quite unabashed about asking for even more money through pop-up ads that obstruct just about every online search for anything pertaining to dogs, cats, or the words humane and SPCA.. "We need our donors and the people in our community to know where their money is going.". Seeing the sad, lonely dogs is heartbreaking. On June 7, the actor attended a White House press briefing and spoke on the tragic . One way the ASPCA gets donors to add to its list is through hiring third party contractors to canvas, or solicit donations, in front of stores or in public places. Steve Hindi, arguably the most accomplished animal rights advocate of the past 30 years, has never taken a cent of compensation from his organization, Showing Animals Respect & Kindness [SHARK]. We are honored by, and grateful for, the eight-dollar-a-month donors who have helped us and ANIMALS 24-7 to get this far. It says the remaining $148 million is tied up in fixed assets, restricted donations and multiyear pledges. The importance of shelter medicine cant be understated, having played a prominent role in significant animal welfare advances such as developing widespread animal shelter standards, supporting critical operational protocols, and generating new strategies to combat infectious disease and illness, which reduces the need for euthanasia. If we keep raising our children thinking that non-profits dont pay for experience and education, how else are we going to change the world? Filed Under: Advocacy, Animal organizations, Animal rights & welfare, Culture & Animals, Editorials, Feature Home Bottom, Humane history, Opinions & Letters, Religion & philosophy, USA Tagged With: Ann Landers, Beth Clifton, Cleveland Amory, Fred Myer, Henry Spira, Matthew Bershadker, Merritt Clifton. It is not just large shelters this happens in. On January 10, 2019, ANIMALS 24-7 discovered from the ASPCA filing of IRS Form 990, and promptly pointed out, that Bershadker took home $804,372 in pay for 2017, including a bonus of $276,000, and received benefits of $47,859, for total compensation of $852,231more than any two other animal welfare executives in one year ever. Muckrake (n): synonym for crusading journalist. Background Report for Matthew Bershadker You cite that this isnt a personal attack but lets be fair here. Weve also seen a 65% increase in equine fosters across the country. I also see a sustained commitment to relocating animals by ground and by air. Theyre also looking at new ways to help financially challenged pet owners in their communities care for and keep their animals. By providing my mobile number, I agree to receive 2-4 text messages per month from the ASPCA, which may include requests for charitable donations. ITS A SHAME ! From the perspective of having been familiar with the salaries, credentials, and accomplishments of all of the top-paid executives in the history of the humane movement, ANIMALS 24-7 can say with confidence that only three of the top-paid 50 or so ever demonstrated themselves to be capable of earning in the private sector what they made by heading humane organizations and Matthew Bershadker was not among them. Get Access to Matt's Email Address & Phone Number. It is not because of anything Matthew Bershadker did, nor because of anything his predecessors did, nor because of anything his counterparts at the other big national animal charities didcertainly not by themselves. So much of that money could go to help the animals instead of lining his pocket. Text STOP to opt-out, HELP for more info. This means Bershadker's pay is more than 6 times the average nonprofit CEO. And leadership does not have to take a vow of poverty. The team has investigated hundreds of cases around the country. 1894 shipwreck found in Lake Huron, confirming "powerful, tragic story", Bipartisan Senate group unveils rail safety bill in response to Ohio derailment, What to know about Shigella bacteria as drug-resistant strain spreads, Top Dems push Fox News to stop promoting "propaganda" about 2020 election, National animal welfare nonprofit ASPCA faces spending criticism, Lawsuits claim dental device wrecked teeth, Pandemic-era SNAP benefits end for millions of Americans as costs rise, Eye Opener: Millions face deadly winter storm. Ed grew the ASPCA by leaps and bounds and changed the fate of countless homeless animals. How many people did it take to equal the amount of money this man was paid ????. CBS News found something else that donors might not be expecting. Fortunately, most U.S. non-profit animal shelters and spay/neuter clinics appear to have disregarded the ASPCA advice. Twitter/Insta: @tortoiserescue @worldturtleday. $852,231! About the ASPCAFounded in 1866, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nations leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. Matt Bershadker. Last year, the ASPCA played a leadership role in the removal of 50 dogs from a Bronx dog fighting ring. The State Humane Association of California, founded in 1909, merged with the California Animal Control Directors Association in 2018 to become the California Animal Welfare Association. All this shows me is that ASPCA is just a money-making corporation disguised as a charity. Thank you for your many years of alerting people to such grotesquely excessive financial compensation. With over 1,000 employees, the ASPCA's mission is to rescue, protect and care for animals in need through a wide range of activities like animal relocation, advocacy, training, legislative and veterinary services. We often put in 15-hour days. Some, like Amory, who started the Fund for Animals, Animal Rights International founder Henry Spira, and Humane Society of the U.S. founder Fred Myer, left journalism to start animal advocacy organizations meant to help steer the old guard in more progressive and productive directions. What caused a Board of Directors to agree to pay the CEO of the ASPCA an obscene salary like that? GEE, I wonder why? News on dogs, cats, horses, wildlife, zoonoses, & nature. At the age of years, Matthew E. Bershadker weight not available right now. Maybe more people would support the ASPCA if 90% of it didnt go for salary. NEW YORK, N.Y.The heartbreaking commercials are almost impossible to ignore: Sarah McLachlan singing to images of suffering animals andmaking an urgent appeal for donations to the American Societyfor the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA, CBS News anchor Jim Axelrod opened on August 2, 2021. Robert Dole: why did Pacelle, Amundson, & Bershadker inflate his record? CBS News spoke to more than two dozen local SPCA's across the country. Thats where I became truly inspired to commit to the social sector. His compensation from ASPCA subsidiaries alone in 2020, the year the COVID-19 crisis hit, killing a million Americans, putting many millions out of work and bankrupting hundreds of thousands, was more than the top salary paid by the majority of U.S. humane societies and animal care-and-control agencies. Discover who Matthew Bershadker is frequently seen with, and browse pictures of them together.. These comments that all these people are making against the CEO making a $852,000 as a total salary and compensation well, I agree with their comments. If they truly care about their work, they shouldnt need to live rich while doing it. ASPCApro:What inspires and motivates you as an animal welfare leader? Watch Live: Closing arguments begin in double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, Ex-Georgia star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash, arrest warrants allege, Watch Live: Garland testifies amid ongoing special counsel investigations, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students. "If the donors feel that there's an urgent need, and they must donate today so that they can meet that urgent need, and the organization isn't exhibiting that urgency, that's again, where a disconnect can cause a problem.". NEW YORK--The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) today announced that it has named Matthew E. Bershadker President and CEO. The bad decisions that led to those payouts, however, were made two generations of HSUS leadership ago, and three generations of ASPCA leadership ago. Latest news and commentary on Matthew Bershadker including photos, videos, quotations, and a biography. Also learn about how he is rich at the age of 49 years old? Years ago Matthew Bershadker, Bus '01 (MBA), visited an animal control facility that, like many, was underfunded and overwhelmed. From those readers, I heard two consistent complaints: that I did not give charities an excessively simplistic thumbs up or thumbs down, to enable them to make decisions without having to think, and that at $25 a year, about 17 per charity listed, the reports cost too much of the money that purchasers preferred to give directly to the animals.. Matthew Bershadker is President and CEO of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the first animal welfare organization in America and a national leader in the rescue and protection of at-risk animals. Merritt Clifton & feline news source, 1984. "I would challenge the fact that 84% of people know the difference when the fundraising tactics would lead you to believe that money given to the ASPCA trickles down into local organizations," said Patti Mercer, president and CEO of the Houston SPCA. But maybe something can be done with more publicity on these matters. Gary Rogers Nassau County SPCA(Beth Clifton collage), Said Sullivan, It is frustrating on this side of the table to realize that the bulk of our time and our staff time is spent trying to explain the difference between national and local. After 5 years I made $9.50 an hour. Doris. Fostering has been particularly impactful during this anxious period. Matthew E. Bershadker was named president and CEO of American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in May 2013[1] and serves on the Global Animal Partnership's Board of Directors. Millions of individual donors like her, and like you, contribute eight bucks a month, or many times more, depending on your income and ability, to dozens of animal charities each, around the U.S. and around the world. Take the donations and doesnt help ALL the animals they say they will?? The rest goes toward fundraising, image-building, fundraising and image-building done in the name of public education, and management expense. These days, Axelrod explained, Sullivan is the chief community and development officer at the Houston SPCA in Texas. Cattle egrets, in short, tend not to have many friends, even among the most avid bird advocates, despite being a very useful species for their contributions to insect control, and a readily watchable species. I FEEL DISGUSTED TO SAY THE LEAST. I think Mr. Matt Bershadker might want to give more to his employees and less for himself. So, how much is Matthew E. Bershadker networth at the age of years old? I recall the dogs who died in that transport van a few years ago. I live in Concord, California, in a neighborhood called concord Northwood. In addition, the shame is that ASPCA has net Assets of over $307 million and last year had $26 million more revenue than expenses. People do not pay attention to where they are driving. This is a big reason I do not donate to these organizations. Patti Mercer who runs the Houston SPCA says she believes that type of fundraising could be deceiving donors, when those canvassers are set up in communities, like hers, where the ASPCA doesn't offer local services. Harold J. Hovel, author of Helping Animals Means Helping People: From Hunting & Poaching to Climate Change & Nuclear War (2017), is chair of the New York State Humane Association. I do not need address labels or anything else. 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