No, it is not true that Mark Wenzler received a 19 percent increase in salary. While personnel matters are private, we can confirm that all eligible staff participated in the same range of merit increases during the period in question, which was between 2 and 4.5 percent. Reported compensation on the IRS Form 990 can fluctuate from year to year for a number of reasons, including due to the ways benefits can impact compensation.

The position of Director of the Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative is funded entirely by an endowment created to make it possible for Chautauqua to invest in a climate change initiative and with the donors’ intent that we would be able to attract and retain top talent for the leadership of this program.

The endowment intent is realized in the inaugural person holding the title, who comes to the role with an extraordinary background and qualifications alongside a lived commitment to the mission of Chautauqua.

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