Vice Chair Role and Responsibilities

The vice-chair provides additional board leadership and assumes the role of board chair when the chair is absent. Some boards also have a chair-elect who is a chair-in-waiting. This position provides for expected succession when the term of the chair is up.

In other boards, the vice-chair is groomed for the role of the chair but is still officially assessed when the time comes. It is helpful to elect an incoming board chair before the current chair’s term expires as doing so provides a head start and valuable learning opportunities for the incoming chair. BoardSource recommends boards refrain from electing vice-chairs who do not want to ascend to the chair role.

Key Responsibilities of the Vice Chair

During board/committee meetings

• Attend all board meetings
• Lead board meetings if the board chair is absent
• Serve on the executive committee if one exists

Outside of board meetings

•  Support board chair as needed by participating in strategic discussions, helping plan board retreats, etc.
• If elected to serve as the next board chair, may attend regular meetings with the current chair and chief executive.

Board Vice Chair Qualifications

• Strong understanding of the organization’s mission and board’s governance role
• Willingness to assume leadership position when necessary
• Time to devote to assisting the board chair as necessary
• Interest in serving as the future chair