Chaired

Chaired is the past tense of chair, a verb meaning to preside over a meeting, committee, or other deliberative body. The chair acts as the presiding officer, guiding proceedings, maintaining order, and ensuring that discussions proceed in an orderly and fair manner. The term is often used in formal and organizational contexts to indicate who led or moderated a session.

Typical duties associated with chairing include setting or approving the agenda, calling a meeting to order, recognizing speakers, and managing the flow of debate. The chair facilitates discussion, protects minority viewpoints, and aims to balance participation among members. In many assemblies, the chair also interprets rules, enforces procedures, and ensures that decisions are properly formulated and recorded. The chair may announce votes, sign or approve minutes, and determine when a matter is ready for resolution or adjournment.

Authority and voting rules vary by organization. In many deliberative bodies, the chair does not vote except to break a tie, while in others the chair may have a regular or casting vote. The chair’s role is typically expected to be impartial or neutral to maintain legitimacy and trust in the process, though they may be required to represent the group’s views or brief the organization on outcomes.

Selection and tenure also differ. Chairs are usually elected by the body, appointed by a governing entity, or rotate among members. In corporate governance, the chair may lead the board of directors and coordinate governance activities, distinct from the chief executive officer. The phrase the meeting was chaired by is common in minutes and reports, and chaired by remains a standard way to attribute leadership of the proceedings.