Executives at the Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit responsible for managing and maintaining the 843-acre park, have seen substantial increases in their compensation, according to the organization's 2025 tax filing. CEO Elizabeth Smith's base salary rose by nearly 30%, from $933,592 in 2023 to $1,211,800 in 2024.
Smith, who has led the Conservancy since 2018 and has a background in finance and city government, saw her salary double from five years prior when she was paid $605,000. Her current compensation is more than double that amount.
Other top administrators also received significant pay bumps. Chief Financial Officer Stephen Spinelli's salary increased by 14% from $654,429 in 2023 to $746,635 in 2024. Roger Mosier, chief of park operations, saw his compensation rise by 3%, from $528,552 in 2023 to $544,054 in 2024.
In total, ten administrators at the Central Park Conservancy have salaries of $300,000 or more. Seven others earn between $263,000 and $295,000 annually. These figures represent base salaries, with executives also eligible for bonuses or incentives.
A spokesperson for the Conservancy stated that the organization's compensation program is designed to attract and retain top talent. The statement noted that the framework includes base pay, bonuses, and long-term incentives, structured to encourage high performance and reward expertise and tenure.
The pay increases have drawn criticism from some labor representatives. John Samuelsen, president of Transport Workers Union International, which represents horse carriage drivers, commented that while the nonprofit's leadership is being well-compensated, the park itself has become difficult for pedestrians and cyclists due to issues like e-bikes and delivery vehicles. He stated that Smith has not managed the park effectively.