Role of Chairperson

The Chairperson is the head authority figure in the EACD organization. The Chairperson sits at the head of GMC meetings, represents the organization to outside parties in a professional manner, and influences the long-term strategic direction and priorities of the EACD. It is an active role that engages the GMC members, building upon each member’s individual strengths.

The Chairperson is part of the EACD General Management Committee (GMC) and has wide-ranging responsibilities, requiring much more than simply being present at all GMC meetings. The Chairperson shall act as Chair at meetings of the General Management Committee, runs the meeting's agenda to review and approve organizational and financial needs and concerns, sets the tone of these meetings, and influences the long-term strategic direction and priorities of the GMC.

The Chairperson is also part of the EACD Executive Committee, together with the Treasurer and Secretary. As such, the Chairperson works closely together with the Secretary and Treasurer regarding all strategic EACD issues.

Responsibilities and Duties

The EACD Chairperson is responsible for:

• The operational state and financial health of the organization, together with the Secretary and Treasurer.
• Representing the EACD to outside parties in a professional manner.
• Acting as chair at meetings of the General Management Committee, running the meeting's agenda to review and approve organizational and financial needs and concerns
• Proposing future strategic policies and practices when appropriate.
• Addressing and discussing confronting issues with GMC members and relevant stakeholders.
• Working towards solutions, compromise and innovation of the problems, brainstorms or other issues that the membership has.
• Ensuring compliance with the EACD constitution, rules and regulations for any meeting, negotiation or action that the EACD is involved in.

The Chairperson may be designated by the GMC and/or Executive Committee as one of the signing officers for certain documents. In this capacity, the Chairperson may be authorized or required to sign or countersign checks, correspondence, applications, reports, contracts or other documents on behalf of the EACD organisation.

Accountability

The Chairperson is accountable to the GMC and/or the EACD Members (via the Annual General Meeting). The Chairperson is accountable for the stated duties and responsibilities; however, it is not necessarily the Chairperson who carries out the activity.