Committee reappoints Dr. Ehiara Walker to MetroHealth board after contested exchange over past governance

The Resource Appointment and Equity Committee voted April 29 to move forward with Resolution 20250156, reappointing Dr. Ehiara Walker to the MetroHealth System Board of Trustees for the term March 5, 2025, through March 4, 2031. The item was advanced under suspension of the rules and approved by voice vote; the clerk recorded one member as voting 'nay.'

Dr. Walker, who identified herself as the current chair of the MetroHealth board and said she worked at MetroHealth for 32 years in primary care and administrative roles, told the committee the board has undergone substantial turnover and that the new members are committed to stabilizing and improving the system. “That certainly is our goal, and I promise you I'll do that,” she said when asked about transparency and community engagement.

During the discussion Councilmember Gallagher objected to Walker's reappointment and criticized the board's handling of previous governance controversies, including the episode involving a former CEO (referred to in the record as the 'Boutros' matter). Gallagher said public legal disputes and consultants' findings were damaging and stated he could not support Walker's reappointment, saying in part, “I cannot support you.”

Walker responded that she intends to work collaboratively and toward consensus with the board and county partners, highlighting that the board has replaced several members in the last year and has been focusing on governance and improvement. She said MetroHealth is working with the county on an agreement governing funding and that she believes the system is in compliance.

Council members pressed Walker on several operational items: how the board selects its chair (Walker said the board elects the chair from among its members), the status of DEI language in MetroHealth contracts (Walker said the relevant committee chair is reviewing that work and the process to move items forward is underway), and how legal fees are handled (Walker said the board carries insurance for suits but did not state the coverage limit in the meeting). Members also asked about the CEO's contract, and Walker said the CEO is currently permanent with a contract through the end of the year and that the executive committee will review whether an extension is appropriate.

A motion to move the reappointment forward under suspension of the rules was made and seconded; the committee approved the measure by voice with one recorded dissent. The transcript does not identify which member cast the single 'nay.'