How Much Does CEO Of Susan G Komen Make?

How Much Does CEO Of Susan G Komen Make? ​As of March 2025, the average annual salary for the CEO of Susan G. Komen is approximately $737,143, with a typical range between $560,385 and $940,954.

Susan G. Komen, the leading breast cancer organization, has been a pillar in the fight against breast cancer since its founding in 1982.

Its mission is simple: to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in breast cancer, advocating for more equitable access to care, and investing in groundbreaking research.

However, as with many major nonprofits, the organization has faced its share of public scrutiny over the years—one of the key areas of discussion being the salary of its CEO. How much does the CEO of Susan G. Komen make, and what factors influence this salary?

This post will break down the CEO’s compensation, the reasoning behind it, and the public’s reaction to it. [How Much Does CEO Of Susan G Komen Make?]

Who is the CEO of Susan G. Komen?

Before we delve into the salary details, it’s important to understand who is leading this globally recognized organization.

Paula Schneider: Current CEO

As of 2023, Paula Schneider is the President and CEO of Susan G. Komen. Paula took over the leadership of the organization in 2017, bringing more than 30 years of experience in corporate leadership and nonprofit management.

Prior to joining Susan G. Komen, Schneider was the CEO of the fashion brand 2(X)IST and held senior leadership roles in various organizations. [How Much Does CEO Of Susan G Komen Make?]

Her leadership is seen as a crucial turning point for the organization, especially as Komen worked to recover from controversies and struggles following years of leadership changes.

As the CEO, Schneider plays a pivotal role in directing the organization’s strategic focus, leading its fundraising efforts, overseeing partnerships, and guiding research investments to ensure that Komen remains at the forefront of the battle against breast cancer.

Previous Leadership: Nancy G. Brinker

Before Paula Schneider, Susan G. Komen was led by Nancy G. Brinker, the founder of the organization. Brinker founded Komen in memory of her sister, Susan, who passed away from breast cancer.

Brinker served as the CEO from 1982 until 2014, and she remains a key figure in the organization’s legacy. Her vision and leadership established the foundation for the nonprofit’s vast network of supporters and its focus on breast cancer awareness and research funding.

However, Brinker’s tenure was also marked by some controversies, including management changes and internal conflicts over the direction of the organization. [How Much Does CEO Of Susan G Komen Make?]

After her departure as CEO, Komen experienced a series of leadership transitions until Paula Schneider assumed the role, marking a new chapter in the organization’s history.

How Much Does the CEO of Susan G. Komen Make?

With the stage set, let’s look at the salary specifics of the current CEO, Paula Schneider, and how it compares to past compensation levels.

Salary Breakdown for the CEO

Paula Schneider’s total compensation in 2023 was reported to be $936,700. This includes her base salary as well as bonuses and other financial benefits. [How Much Does CEO Of Susan G Komen Make?]

The breakdown highlights a high level of compensation, but it is important to understand that the figure also encompasses a range of duties and responsibilities that are typical for leading a large nonprofit organization.

In 2025, her average salary is expected to be around $737,143 annually. However, the compensation range for nonprofit CEOs in organizations of this scale can vary greatly depending on factors like organizational size, geographical location, and fundraising performance.

The range for the CEO of Susan G. Komen has fluctuated between $560,385 and $940,954 in recent years. [How Much Does CEO Of Susan G Komen Make?]

These figures place the Susan G. Komen CEO’s salary among the higher end of nonprofit executive compensation, especially for large national organizations.

Comparing Nonprofit CEO Salaries

When compared to other nonprofit organizations, Susan G. Komen’s CEO compensation is relatively typical for high-profile nonprofits. For example, major health organizations, like the American Cancer Society, pay their CEOs comparable salaries.

Nonprofit CEOs in this sector often earn compensation that reflects the size of the organization, the volume of donations raised, and the scale of their outreach and operations.

For instance, the CEO of the American Red Cross, another well-known nonprofit, earned a salary of around $700,000 to $800,000 in recent years, while the CEO of the American Heart Association has received similar compensation levels.

These salaries are often justified by the substantial responsibilities that come with leading large organizations with national or global influence. [How Much Does CEO Of Susan G Komen Make?]

Why Do Nonprofit CEOs Earn High Salaries?

At first glance, nonprofit CEOs earning salaries comparable to their counterparts in the for-profit world may seem out of place. However, there are several reasons why such salaries are justified.

Responsibilities and Challenges of Nonprofit CEOs

The role of a nonprofit CEO is far from simple. Leading an organization like Susan G. Komen involves immense responsibilities, particularly in managing large-scale fundraising efforts, guiding research investments, and ensuring the financial stability of the organization.

These CEOs are tasked with making critical decisions regarding the allocation of millions of dollars, as well as ensuring that programs are effectively serving the mission.

Moreover, nonprofit CEOs are often the face of their organizations, representing them to donors, the media, and the public. They also have to navigate complex relationships with government entities, other nonprofits, and stakeholders. [How Much Does CEO Of Susan G Komen Make?]

With Susan G. Komen specifically, the CEO is responsible for advocating for breast cancer research, treatment, and prevention, and they must be involved in strategic planning to ensure that the organization remains a leader in the field.

Factors Affecting CEO Compensation

The compensation of a nonprofit CEO is influenced by several factors, including:

• Fundraising Success: The ability of the CEO to raise funds, attract donors, and generate revenue is a critical component of their role. Fundraising is the lifeblood of most nonprofits, and a CEO’s success directly impacts the organization’s ability to deliver on its mission.
• Organizational Size and Reach: As the leader of a global nonprofit, the Susan G. Komen CEO must oversee an organization with an extensive network of affiliates, donors, and volunteers. The larger and more complex the organization, the higher the compensation for its CEO.
• Expertise and Experience: Given the vast challenges that nonprofit CEOs face, those with extensive experience in leading major organizations are often compensated at higher levels. Leadership experience, particularly in high-profile sectors like health and cancer research, can significantly influence salary expectations.

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Controversy Surrounding High Salaries in Nonprofits

While high salaries for nonprofit executives are common, they often spark debate and controversy. Many supporters of nonprofits argue that the focus should be on the organization’s mission rather than executive compensation.

However, others assert that competitive salaries are necessary to attract and retain skilled leaders who can guide organizations through complex challenges. [How Much Does CEO Of Susan G Komen Make?]

Public Criticisms of CEO Salaries

Susan G. Komen, like other major nonprofits, has faced criticism regarding its CEO salaries. The organization’s salary structure has been questioned by those who feel that a larger portion of the funds raised should go directly to breast cancer research and services.

This debate is common across many nonprofit sectors, as some donors and critics argue that excessive compensation may undermine the charitable nature of the organization.

How Susan G. Komen Responds to Criticism

In response to criticisms over its executive pay, Susan G. Komen has consistently defended the need for competitive salaries to ensure the best leadership for the organization.

They emphasize that the CEO’s role requires significant expertise and experience to navigate the complex landscape of nonprofit work and cancer research. [How Much Does CEO Of Susan G Komen Make?]

Additionally, Komen has made efforts to maintain transparency by publicly disclosing executive compensation and other financial details through IRS Form 990 filings, ensuring accountability.

Balancing Public Perception with Operational Needs

The challenge for organizations like Susan G. Komen is to balance public perception with operational needs. [How Much Does CEO Of Susan G Komen Make?]

While many donors may view large salaries unfavorably, the reality is that such compensation is necessary to attract high-caliber individuals who can effectively manage and lead organizations.

Transparency in reporting salaries and demonstrating how funds are allocated is essential to maintaining public trust.

Conclusion: How Much Does CEO Of Susan G Komen Make?

In conclusion, the CEO of Susan G. Komen earns a competitive salary that reflects the immense responsibilities and challenges associated with leading one of the world’s largest breast cancer organizations.

Paula Schneider’s total compensation of $936,700 in 2023 is part of the broader trend in the nonprofit sector, where CEOs are compensated based on their leadership abilities, fundraising success, and organizational impact. [How Much Does CEO Of Susan G Komen Make?]

While the subject of nonprofit CEO compensation continues to be a topic of public debate, it is clear that such salaries are necessary to ensure that the organization remains effective, sustainable, and focused on its mission to end breast cancer.

As Komen continues to navigate these discussions, the role of its CEO will remain crucial in steering the organization toward success and continued impact in the fight against breast cancer.

FAQs

Why does the CEO of Susan G. Komen earn such a high salary?

The CEO’s high salary reflects the immense responsibilities of overseeing a global nonprofit organization, including fundraising, strategic decision-making, and leading an organization with a significant impact on breast cancer research.

How is the salary of nonprofit CEOs determined?

Nonprofit CEO salaries are determined based on a combination of factors, including the size and complexity of the organization, the CEO’s experience, fundraising success, and industry standards.

Is Paula Schneider’s salary typical for nonprofit CEOs?

Yes, Paula Schneider’s salary is typical for nonprofit CEOs leading large organizations, particularly those focused on health and research. [How Much Does CEO Of Susan G Komen Make?]

How does Susan G. Komen use funds raised for breast cancer research?

Funds raised by Susan G. Komen go toward research, advocacy, and supporting programs that provide education and breast cancer care services.

Has Susan G. Komen faced criticism for CEO compensation in the past?

Yes, like many large nonprofits, Susan G. Komen has faced criticism over executive compensation, particularly in relation to the amount spent on salaries versus direct research funding. However, the organization has consistently maintained transparency and accountability in its financial practices.