“We are extremely lucky to have a seasoned, experienced and highly engaged board to complement one of the top executive nonprofit teams in the country,” he said.

The statements by McGree and the board left some far from satisfied.

“Do they have any openings?” asked Mike Boyle, a member of the Douglas County Board, after hearing McGree’s defense of the charity’s pay. “Oh my God, I’m stunned. I can’t believe that guy is really making and drinking his own Kool-Aid.”

Dozens of readers have reached out to The World-Herald by phone, email and online in the wake of the newspaper’s investigation, with many saying they would no longer shop at or donate to Goodwill until the charity makes changes. Several of those people contacted by the paper Wednesday said the statements from McGree and the board didn’t change their feelings.

Chris Pellman of Omaha said she was appalled that all the recent donations she made to Goodwill after a family move have contributed to inflated salaries instead of job programs.

“They’re trying to gloss over these high wages and defend it, but it still seems way outside the bounds of a nonprofit. There has to be major changes, including more money going into programs and getting rid of paying less than minimum wage.”