Tax returns are miraculous things. As we mentioned in our post on total compensation paid to nonprofit hospital executives, we looked at the most recent returns those hospitals had on file (mostly covering the 2005-06 year). 

The Watchdog looked for the big numbers. And in the case of St. Jude Hospital Yorba Linda, pulled out the $713,038 in total comp paid to Joy Diffendal. 

That number is right; but in previous years, her pay wasn’t nearly so high. The year before, she earned quite a bit less - $407,449. Here’s the skinny from Diffendal:

As we discussed, your stated figure for my income in 2005 in your blog article on September 3rd is correct. However, it is taken out of context to my annual compensation for all prior years as CAO for St. Joseph Heritage Healthcare, Central Division. Due to IRS rules, I was required to take the entire sum of previously deferred compensation in 2005. Were you to look at my prior years, you would note my annual compensation, before taxes and inclusive of employer’s FICA, worker’s compensation, etc., was much lower. In fact, my name would not have been listed given the range of salaries in your blog.

Thanks for clarifying this for your readers.

–Joy Diffendal

Absolutely! The Watchdog likes it when folks contact us to explain, to provide more detail, or just to give us a good tongue-lashing.  Keep those cards and letters coming!

Posted in: Charity checkup • Money • Nonprofits • Who makes more? |

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