appointee

An appointee is a person who has been selected by an authority to fill a position, as opposed to someone elected to the role. In government, the term is common for officials designated by the head of state or the executive branch, sometimes requiring legislative confirmation. Appointees may lead agencies, serve on boards, or join commissions. In corporate or nonprofit contexts, an appointee may be named by a CEO or chair to a committee, board, or executive role.

The appointment process varies by jurisdiction and organization. It can involve nomination, screening, vetting, interviews, and approvals by a legislative body or a specialized committee, though some appointments are unilateral. Terms of office may be fixed, limited, or at the pleasure of the appointing authority; appointees can be terminated or replaced, sometimes subject to procedural protections.

Responsibilities typically include adherence to legal and ethical rules, implementing policy or strategy, supervising staff, and reporting to the appointing authority. Appointees may face criticism for patronage or lack of accountability, and many jurisdictions impose ethics rules, disclosure requirements, or conflict-of-interest prohibitions.

Relation to other terms: an appointee is distinct from an elected official and from an acting or interim appointee, who may hold the post temporarily while a formal appointment is pending. The term is also used in corporate settings to describe individuals designated to fill roles or seats on boards or committees.