Q: I discovered that the Wounded Warrior Project has come under criticism because it spent only 58 percent of its total expenditures on programs while paying its CEO over $330,000. Is this true?
—Mike Thomas, Peachtree City
A: Wounded Warrior Project, which was founded in 2003, spent 58 percent of donations on projects in 2012, according to a 2013 Tampa Bay Times article and Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org), which helps guide "intelligent giving." WWP raised $150 million in 2012 and spent $55.4 million on programs, or about 58 percent of its $95.5 million expenditures. More than $34.7 million (36.3 percent) went to fundraising and $5.4 million (5.7 percent) was spent on administrative costs.
CEO Steven Nardizzi made $311,538 in the fiscal year ended in 2012 and the charity “has been criticized for its salaries, with 10 employees earning $150,000 or more,” the Tampa Bay Times wrote. Charity Navigator gave Wounded Warrior Project a score of 78.29 out of 100 on its rating system.
Q: What happened to Markina Brown, the chief meteorologist on CBS 46? She has left the station. What happened to her?
—Rich Sanford, Woodstock
A: Brown resigned earlier this month and didn't say specifically what she plans to do, but she starred in a play called "Make Time 4 Love" in 2013. "This fall is one of expectation and change, inviting me to try new ventures and carrying me to new heights in my career," she told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution when she resigned.
Brown, whose last day at CBS 46 was Nov. 14, spent four years at the station. Jim Kosek, who is coming from Kansas City, Mo., has been hired to replace Brown.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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