About Us: Board of Directors

About The Board of Directors

The Board of Directors at The Brenda Strafford Foundation comprises 11 volunteer members, each selected based on key skillsets and experiences to support a strong, well-rounded governance model. The board’s expertise spans healthcare, continuing care, legal, human resources, finance, social services, construction and project management, administration, communications, business, and philanthropy.

Should a vacancy occur, the board reviews its skills matrix prior to recruitment. Once selected, an orientation session is provided by the President & CEO to walk through the history of BSF, an overview of the organization, and current governance policies.

The full board and the five specialized committees meet quarterly. Regular attendance is required at full board meetings, and each director must serve on at least one committee.

Board Committees

The role of each committee is as follows: 

• Governance Committee: Provides strategic leadership by setting direction, making policy and strategy decisions, overseeing and monitoring organizational performance, reviewing overall accountability, and providing recommendations to the board.
• Finance Committee: Oversees and reports to the board on accounting and financial reporting processes and internal controls. The committee is responsible for audit, financial reporting, risk management, and investment portfolio management.
• Health, Quality, and Safety Committee: Ensures that processes are in place to continuously monitor and improve the quality and safety of healthcare for residents, clients, and families, including the quality of life and care processes and outcomes.
• Human Resources Committee: Oversees and advises the board on matters related to human resources strategy, compensation, workforce engagement, and succession planning.
• BSF Cares Committee: Ensures the foundation has a comprehensive approach to governing and managing activities and services identified as 'BSF Cares' operations, including international healthcare and local community supports. The committee assists the board in fulfilling its responsibilities by ensuring that policies, systems, and processes governing BSF Cares activities are implemented.

At the start of each committee meeting, directors are required to declare any conflicts of interest. At the end of each meeting, directors are asked “Did the meeting meet your expectations?” These questions are examples of modern governance practices.

Board Chair Roles & Responsibilities

The Board Chair’s roles and responsibilities are identified in the appropriate governance policy. The individual has the responsibility for chairing the full board committee and, along with the President & CEO, also sits as a non-voting member of the five specialized committees.

On behalf of the board, the Chair is also the direct relationship link with the President & CEO, which includes monthly one-one meetings to ensure a strong working relationship between management and the board. This approach provides a real-time sounding board for pressing matters. The Board Chair, under the leadership of the Human Resources Committee, is also responsible for ensuring an annual review of President & CEO’s performance and compensation.

Board Performance & Development

The Governance Committee and the Board Chair conducts an annual assessment of the board’s performance, covering three perspectives: 1) Individual Assessment; 2) Board Chair Assessment; and 3) Full Board Assessment. Upon completion, the Chair holds a check-in with each board director, and overall outcomes are reviewed and discussed at a full board meeting.

The board develops an annual calendar of topics, including rotating presentations from different organizational areas to keep the board informed about the latest trends and activities within BSF. Additionally, under the Governance Committee's leadership, an annual retreat is organized with the executive team. Throughout the year, directors have access to ongoing training through our membership with the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Contact the Board

Should you wish to contact the Board of Directors, please email Brenda Baker (Executive Assistant & Board Coordinator): brenda.baker@theBSF.ca