I googled another charity organization just to compare. The CEO of salvation army brings in a salary of 64,210. I think there is a BIG difference between a 64k and 500k salary
No offense, but 'randomly' choosing the Salvation Army is not quite representative of the 'norm' The SA is known for being efficient at getting the dollar to the intended recipient. Here are a few others for a more representative comparsion:
Chief Executive : Gerald C. Weinberg, President and CEO
Muscular Dystrophy Association $372,662
Chief Executive : John R. Seffrin, PhD, Chief Executive Officer
American Cancer Society $1,045,887
Chief Executive : Carl R. Augusto, President & CEO
American Foundation for the Blind $304,908
Chief Executive : Neil Nicoll, President/CEO
National Council of Young Men's Christian Associations $522,923
Chief Executive : Kathy Cloninger, Chief Executive Officer
Girl Scouts of the USA $526,999
source: Better Business Bureau