Chairman

Chairman is a leadership title for the person who presides over a meeting, committee, or organization, and may also refer to the head of a board such as chairperson of the board. The term is historically masculine; many organizations now use gender-neutral forms such as chairperson or chair. In some contexts, the chairman signals the principal authority in governance or oversight structures rather than executive management.

Primary duties include presiding at meetings, setting the agenda in collaboration with the secretary and other officers, maintaining order, interpreting rules, and ensuring the organization’s governance is conducted properly. The chairman may represent the organization publicly, guide strategic discussions, and oversee compliance with bylaws. Depending on the rules, the chairman may have limited voting rights or a casting vote in the event of a tie. In corporations, the chairman of the board leads the board and has responsibilities for governance and oversight; the chief executive officer typically handles day-to-day management.

Appointment and term are usually governed by bylaws or charter. The chairman is typically elected by the board or the organization’s members for a specified term; removal often requires a vote by the same body. The role may rotate among members or be held by an external appointee in some cases. Term length and powers vary by jurisdiction and organizational structure.

Relationship to other roles: The chairman is distinct from the chief executive officer, who runs the organization, and from the president or founder in some structures. The chair’s authority is largely derived from bylaws and legal framework. The term chair is increasingly used as a neutral alternative to reflect contemporary governance practices.