Teaching Notes: Navigating bonuses, influence, and boardroom ethics at Golden Oaks Hospital Foundation

Sheila Chen is a board member and former board chair of the Golden Oaks Hospital Foundation (GOH Foundation) in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. In 2024, an issue was raised at a board meeting regarding chief executive officer (CEO) Nina Rahman’s decision to pay cash bonuses to staff – including one union member – out of her personal funds. While well-intentioned, this action raised concerns about boundaries, authority and influence, prompting Chen to examine broader governance issues, including the CEO’s relationship with Robert Blackwell, a major donor and advisory board member who has become increasingly involved in board affairs. As a member...