Central Park Conservancy chief's pay jumps to $1.2 million, sparking criticism
The Central Park Conservancy disclosed that CEO Elizabeth Smith earned a base salary of $1,211,800 in 2024, a rise of nearly 30% from the previous year.
Financial disclosures reveal that Central Park Conservancy CEO Elizabeth Smith received a base salary of $1,211,800 for 2024, representing almost a 30% increase over her 2023 earnings. Her compensation now exceeds twice what she earned five years ago, when her salary was $605,000. The nonprofit’s chief financial officer, Stephen Spinelli, saw his pay rise 14% to $746,635, while chief of park operations Roger Mosier’s salary grew 3% to $544,054.
Seven other senior administrators earned more than $300,000. The Transport Workers Union International, representing horse-carriage drivers, condemned the pay hikes and blamed Smith for turning the park into a “e-bike, delivery vehicle, pedicab-filled nightmare.” The Conservancy defended its compensation model as necessary to retain high-performing staff, citing industry consultants and long-term incentives, but offered no comment on the specifics. Smith, married to former Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton, has been a vocal supporter of legislation to phase out horse-drawn carriages after a teen tourist’s death.
Why it matters
The story highlights how a nonprofit overseeing a major public space compensates its leaders, raising questions about fiscal stewardship and public perception.
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