Managing partner Ken Cerini of the Bohemia-based accounting firm Cerini...

Managing partner Ken Cerini of the Bohemia-based accounting firm Cerini & Associates in an undated photo. The firm's ninth-annual survey is likely to spark discussion about executive compensation. Credit: Steve Pfost

Every year for the last eight, the Bohemia-based accounting firm Cerini & Associates has surveyed Long Island's nonprofit organizations to gauge trends. The ninth annual survey is going out now, and this year's is likely to spark more discussion on the controversial issue of executive compensation.

Managing partner Ken Cerini agrees the executive comp issue is important. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has ordered that no more than $199,000 in state funds should go to reimburse nonprofit and for-profit service providers for any executive compensation.

Cerini's 2011 survey found that "the most common salary paid . . . to an executive director is between $101,000 and $150,000."

"When you run a business you want effective leadership," Cerini said. "You want leaders who are going to be innovative, creative and forward-thinking. Why should the nonprofit sector be any different?"

Attracting those people, he said, requires competitive pay.

From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez, Drew Singh; Anthony Florio, Randee Daddona, Morgan Campbell, Debbie Egan-Chin

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.

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