Governance Process

POLICY TITLE: GP5 - Chairperson’s Role

The Chairperson assures the integrity of the Board's process and, represents the Board to outside parties. The Chairperson, or a designee appointed by the Chair, is the only Board member authorized to speak for the Board.

1. The job output of the Chairperson is that the Board behaves in a manner consistent with its own rules and those legitimately imposed upon it from outside the organization.
   1. Focus meetings to legitimate Board business.
   2. Deliberation will be fair, open, and thorough, but also efficient, timely, orderly, and to the point.
2. The authority of the Chairperson consists in making decisions that fall within the topics covered by Board policies on Governance Process and Board-President Relationship, except where the Board specifically delegates portions of this authority to others. The Chairperson is authorized to use any reasonable interpretation of the provisions in these policies.
   1. The Chairperson is empowered to chair Board meetings with all the commonly accepted power of that position (e.g., ruling, recognizing).
   2. The Chairperson has no authority to make decisions about policies created by the Board within Ends and Executive Limitations policy areas. Therefore, the Chairperson has no authority as an individual to supervise or direct the President.
   3. The Chairperson will represent the Board to outside parties in announcing Board-stated positions and in stating Chair decisions and interpretations within the area delegated to him or her.
3. The Chairperson is to ensure the vice chairperson is informed of current and pending Board issues and processes.
4. The Chairperson may delegate this authority, but remains accountable for its use

Date Approved: 19 Jun 2007

Date Revised: