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Valley Children's Paying for 24-Hour Security at CEO's Home
Edward Smith updated website photo 2024
By Edward Smith
Published 9 months ago on
April 1, 2024

Valley Children's Hospital confirmed it is paying for 24-hour security at CEO Todd Suntrapak's home after his compensation was criticized as excessive by elected officials. (Shutterstock)

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Out of a perceived possible threat following comments from local lawmakers, Valley Childrenโ€™s Hospital is paying for 24-hour security for its CEO.

Valley Childrenโ€™s confirmed to GV Wire that CEO Todd Suntrapak is receiving security paid for by the hospital at his local home.

Valley Childrenโ€™s communications director Zara Arboleda said the security assignment was in response to comments made by Fresno leaders.

โ€œLetโ€™s be clear โ€” that is the consequence of two elected officials stirring up fear and outrage simply to promote themselves with absolutely no regard for the impact of their words on individuals, our organization and our community,โ€ Arboleda said.

She did not clarify what specific comments caused the concern. Arboleda did not say whether any threats had been made. When asked if any police reports had been filed, a Fresno Police Department spokesman declined to answer the question, saying a public records request would have to be filed. GV Wire has filed a request.

Fresno Councilmembers Bredefeld, Arias Vocal About Executive Compensation at VCH

Fresno City Councilmembers Miguel Arias and Garry Bredefeld held a news conference last Wednesday after news came about high compensation rates for executives at Valley Childrenโ€™s.

That same day, Bredefeld appeared on KMJโ€™s Ray Appleton Show with Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp to debate compensation rates.

Valley Childrenโ€™s maintains the $5.1 million it reported for Suntrapakโ€™s pay on a 2021 IRS Form 990 is the result of two annual bonuses being reported in one year.

In 2020, the hospital reported $5.5 million in pay for Suntrapak.

The $20 million spent on executive pay in 2021 made up 2.59% of the hospitalโ€™s expenses that year. That same year, St. Jude Childrenโ€™s Research Hospital spent .57% of expenses on executive pay.

Bredefeld said heโ€™s received threats many times and when necessary, provides for his own security. He said threats have no place in public discourse and if any had been made, they should be reported to law enforcement. But he said that public debate and a free press reporting on debate are fundamental American values.

โ€œI would encourage the leadership of Valley Childrenโ€™s to reflect on why their actions are generating such public anger and the goodwill and trust they had with the public has been so damaged,โ€ Bredefeld said.

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Edward Smith,
Multimedia Journalist
Edward Smith began reporting for GV Wire in May 2023. His reporting career began at Fresno City College, graduating with an associate degree in journalism. After leaving school he spent the next six years with The Business Journal, doing research for the publication as well as covering the restaurant industry. Soon after, he took on real estate and agriculture beats, winning multiple awards at the local, state and national level. You can contact Edward at 559-440-8372 or at Edward.Smith@gvwire.com.

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