Central Park Conservancy executives receive ‘excessive’ salaries

Concerns Over Central Park Conservancy Salaries

Recent records have revealed that the Central Park Conservancy, a non-profit organization responsible for managing Central Park, is facing scrutiny over the high salaries of its executives.

Elizabeth Smith, the president and CEO, reportedly earned $933,592 last year, which includes a notable bonus. In total, 12 other executives received compensation of at least $300,000 each, according to a 2024 IRS filing covering 2023.

In fact, her pay package was considerably higher than in previous years. For context, in 2022, she received a total compensation of $178 million, while 15 other top officials also made at least $300,000. It’s interesting—if you think about it—that her earnings were already on the rise; in 2021, she earned $740,000, a 22% bump from $605,000 in 2020.

To put this into perspective, Mayor Eric Adams makes $258,750 a year to govern the entire city, while former President Trump earned $400,000 during his presidency. Notably, Stephen Spinelli, the Conservancy’s Chief Financial Officer, received $654,429, a 24% increase over the last four years. Meanwhile, the head of Park Operations, Roger Mosier, also exceeded the $500,000 mark in compensation, according to the recent IRS report.

Critics are calling these salaries excessive, particularly for a non-profit group. Councilman Vickie Paladino (R-Queens), who is part of the Parks Committee, expressed her discontent, stating, “These salaries and benefits are outrageous. Where are they drawn from?”

Arthur Schwartz, a lawyer with two decades of experience as chair of the Parks and Waterfront Committee for Greenwich Village’s Community Board 2, highlighted concerns about the funding of city parks. He mentioned that Central Park has historically been well-funded due to its wealthy benefactors, implying that resources could be better allocated to other parks in need.

He raised a valid point when he noted, “No one needs $1 million to run the park,” especially when city leadership earns significantly less.

Smith, who has held her position since 2018, recently became involved in ongoing discussions about horse carriage rides in Central Park—she’s been a vocal supporter of changes to the law around these services.

John Ciarero, president of the Transport Workers Union Local 100, criticized Smith, describing her as a wealthy figure attacking carriage drivers, many of whom are immigrants. He called her claims about safety in the park “ridiculous,” asserting they stem from impure motives.

Additionally, Christina Hansen, a horse carriage operator and steward in the union, commented that drivers earn between $50,000 and $60,000 annually, stressing, “They’re overpaying for what they’re doing,” in reference to the Conservancy’s leadership.

This issue of excessive pay isn’t isolated, as high salaries at the 9/11 Memorial Museum have also sparked anger among victims’ families, especially given its ongoing financial troubles.

In fiscal year 2024, the Central Park Conservancy reported revenues of $172 million, which included $36.5 million from the city for a new facility in Harlem Meer. The Conservancy is investing significantly in various projects, such as the $160 million Gottsman Pool, funded through a mix of urban funding and private donations. They’ve amassed $677 million in net worth, alongside $400 million in donations.