Cochairs

A co-chair, or cochair, is one of two or more individuals who share the duties of chairing a meeting, committee, or organization. In practice, co-chairs are expected to lead discussions, set agendas, and represent the group, while distributing core responsibilities between them. The arrangement is common in nonprofit boards, academic departments, and conference organizing committees.

Co-chairs may have equal authority or divide responsibilities by area, such as external relations and internal governance. They typically preside over meetings, coordinate with staff or administrators, and oversee decision-making processes. In some settings, they rotate the chairing role over time or hold simultaneous leadership, with one acting as a primary point of contact.

Co-chairs are usually selected by the parent body—board, committee, or organizing team—and may serve fixed terms or rotating terms. Establishing a governance charter or terms of reference helps prevent ambiguity about authority, decision rights, and voting procedures.

Benefits include continuity, a wider range of perspectives, and shared workload. Potential challenges include conflicts over strategy, unequal influence, unclear lines of responsibility, and scheduling difficulties. Clear agreements, defined duties, regular communication, and a documented decision-making process mitigate these risks.

In practice, co-chairs appear in universities (department leadership), non-profit boards, and conference programs, where they may oversee different tracks or committees. As a leadership model, co-chairs aim to combine collaboration with accountability, though success depends on mutual trust and explicit governance arrangements.