copresidency

Copresidency, or co-presidency, is a governance arrangement in which two individuals share the office of president or chair and govern an organization jointly. This setup can be formal, with the arrangement written into bylaws or constitutions, or informal, based on an agreement among board members. In practice, the two leaders may hold equal authority or have clearly delineated areas of responsibility.

The structure of a copresidency often depends on the organization’s needs. Roles may be defined as equal partners, or duties may be divided by function (for example, one focusing on external relations and fundraising while the other oversees internal operations). Some arrangements rotate duties or terms, while others designate tie-breaking mechanisms to prevent deadlock. Selection typically occurs through the board or a dedicated governance body, and transition plans are commonly outlined to ensure continuity when a term ends or a leader departs.

Advantages of copresidency include a broader range of skills and networks, enhanced representation of diverse constituencies, greater continuity during transitions, and the opportunity to balance different leadership styles or perspectives. It can also provide redundancy if one leader is unavailable.

Challenges include potential deadlock, role confusion, duplication of effort, or unclear accountability. Effective copresidency requires explicit governance documents, clear decision-making protocols, strong communication, mutual trust, and mechanisms for conflict resolution. It is most commonly found in nonprofit boards, student unions, and other associations, and is sometimes used as a transitional or experimental leadership model in organizations exploring shared governance. In some contexts, it parallels the concept of co-CEOs in startups or joint leadership structures.