Wounded Warrior Project Executives Fired After CBS Investigation
BOSTON (CBS) – The CEO and COO of the Wounded Warrior Project have been fired following a CBS News investigation over lavish spending.
CBS News has confirmed that CEO Steven Nardizzi and COO Al Giordano were fired after criticisms from employees about how it spends its more than $800 million raised in donations in the past four years.
More than 40 current and former employees of the prominent veterans charity told CBS about lavish parties, $2500 bar tabs and expensive resort trips for employees.
CBS News: Wounded Warrior Execs Fired
New Hampshire native Erick Millette, a combat vet and former Wounded Warrior Project employee, helped blow the whistle on over the top expenditures.
"You're using our injuries, our darkest days, our hardships so you can make money," he said. "Donors don't want you to have $2500 bar tab. Donors don't want you to fly every staff member once a year to some five star resort to whoop it up."
Financial reports show Wounded Warrior Project spent more than $26 million in 2014 on conferences, meetings and events for staff members.
CBS News reports there are discussions underway about retired senior military officials who are being considered to take over the helm of the organization.
