The pandemic shut down Summerfest in 2020 but the Big Gig’s boss still pulled down a good wage.
Don Smiley’s total compensation package hit $1.292 million, according to the latest federal tax filing from Milwaukee World Festival Inc.
More than half of the compensation wasn’t paid out to Smiley immediately, though, under terms of Smiley’s employment agreement.
Smiley is president and chief executive of the organization that oversees Summerfest. His compensation package is ultimately approved by the organization’s 25-member board.