Ethics Scenario #6: State Association of Volunteer Firefighters

6. Mary is the conference planner for the State Association of Volunteer Firefighters. Her brother was recently hired as the director of sales for the Conference Retreat Center 12 miles from the state capital. Mary suggests that the organization’s state conference next year be held at the Conference Retreat Center.

a. Is Mary acting ethically by making this suggestion?

b. Can she avoid the appearance of any impropriety by making the suggestion, but agreeing not to participate in the decision to have the conference at the Retreat Center?

c. Can she avoid the appearance of any impropriety by making the suggestion, by advocating for having the conference at the Retreat Center, but by disclosing that her brother is the new head of sales at the Retreat Center?