Report: Executives fired amid Wounded Warrior Project investigation
UPDATE:
CBS News reports that two executives with the Wounded Warrior Project have been fired.
The network says that Chief Executive Officer Steven Nardizzi and Chief Operating Officer Al Giordano have been let go.
The firings come amid an investigation into claims that Wounded Warrior Project wasted donor money on lavish occasions.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Reports released by CBS News claim Wound Warriors Project wasted donor money on lavish occasions.
The report claims the nonprofit received more than $3 million in donations last year, but spent only 60 percent of that on veterans.
Wounded Warriors Project denied all accusations. In a statement they said, “Based on our most recent independently audited financial statements, 80.6% of total expenditures went to provide programs and services for wounded service members, their caregivers, and families.”
The report alleges the company flew 500 employees to Colorado Springs for a meeting at the Broadmoor hotel in 2014. It claims the meeting cost thousands of dollars.
KRDO contacted a spokesperson with the organization who did not comment specifically on expenses in Colorado Springs but released the follow statement to us.
“CBS falsely reported our conference and meeting expenses. 94-percent of the figure CBS reported as conference and meetings for staff was actually a program expense for warriors and their families to participate in services such as mental health programming,” said Ayla Tezel, Executive Vice President of Wounded Warrior Project.
You can view the entire statement here.
Although Wounded Warriors Project claims the statements are false, those who’ve donated in the past say it’s still a concern.
“They do so much for families, they help bring them together. I would hate to think this is true because it would be an awful thing,” said Jessica Standwood.
Jessica Stanwood’s daughter Anna, voluntarily donated her profit from girl scout cookie sales last year to the group.
“I wanted to help them because my dad used to be in the army,” said Anna.
Anna sold more than 500 boxes.
“They were just very thankful to her and said how much it was going to help them,” said Jessica.
Either way, Anna says she still stands behind the nonprofit.
“If it is true, I’d still donate to them because I would hope they would use good core values and really improve from this,” said Anna.
The nonprofit assures they’re spending donations accordingly, but some says it should still be examined.
“Nonprofits will succeed or fail based on the interest of the donors and I think the open records and transparency for any nonprofit is something that is needed. It’s the responsibility of the board to take a look at the actions from the staff and to see if its in accordance with the mission of the organization,” said Dave Somers, executive director of Center of Nonprofit Excellence.
Wounded Warrior Project is known to help thousands of wounded warriors and their families as they return home from conflicts. There are 22 different locations, including one in Colorado Springs.
