Nonprofit Leaders: Compensation Isn’t Just Pay

How much should the heads of major charities make?

“It goes back to your passions and what is important to you,” said Jimmy Hill, president of the River Region United Way. “If I’m here working for a profit ... then I’m here for the wrong reason.”

But pay someone far too little and the charity risks losing them.

“Compensation is always a hard thing,” said Will Sellers, board president of the YMCA of Greater Montgomery, citing the salary of Gary Cobbs, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Montgomery. “When you look at what someone is worth, it’s more than just dollars and cents. How do you measure someone’s dedication?"