Minnesota nonprofit CEOs receive substantial exit payouts

Nonprofit CEOs in Minnesota, especially in health insurance, are receiving large payouts upon leaving their positions. John Naylor of Medica received about $5.5 million in 2023, including $3.1 million from a separation agreement. Craig Samitt of Blue Cross received around $5.6 million in 2021. These payments often stem from contractual obligations, making it difficult for the public to understand the details. Many nonprofit CEOs have received additional compensation after their tenure, with limited transparency in regulatory filings. The Star Tribune's review highlights that such compensation practices are common among nonprofit health organizations. Experts note that while these payouts can seem excessive, they are typically part of employment agreements and not necessarily linked to poor performance.