Ethics Scenario #37: Harristown Energy Assistance Fund

37. Horace, the executive director of the Harristown Energy Assistance Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt organization, finds it hard to concentrate at board meetings whenever Bridget, the board treasurer, is even in the room. Horace, who is divorced and thirty-something, feels an electricity that he never felt even at the beginning of the five-year relationship he had with his wife, or rather, ex-wife, who never quite satisfied him emotionally. By the time he filed for divorce, their marriage had deteriorated into one of convenience, where they avoided each other as much as possible, and each had moved on to relationships that were more satisfying. He had had a series of casual affairs even while married, but none had provided the sparks that he experienced simply being around Bridget. And after just a couple of board meetings, he began to suspect that the feelings were mutual, and not just “sport flirting,” as he had been engaged in with colleagues in the past, but never considered actually doing anything about it while he was married or after. During the past few months, particularly since it was budget season, he and Bridget had opportunities to meet alone, typically at public restaurants, and crunch the numbers. At recent meetings, the discussions between them had become more personal, and she sounded interested in him. Flattered and willing, he let her lead, and it wasn’t too long before she simply suggested that their next meeting be at a local hotel room. He agreed, knowing what was likely to follow.

a. Is Horace being ethical?