President vs. Chairperson — What's the Difference?

The chief executive officer of a company or organization.

Someone who oversees the governance of an organization.

The elected head of a republic.

Someone who temporarily presides over meetings or gatherings.

In universities or colleges, the chief administrator.

The moderator of panel discussions.

A leader of a club or other small organization.

The person leading the board of directors of an organization.

The presiding officer of a meeting or assembly in non-corporate contexts.

In some contexts, synonymous with chairman or chairwoman.

One appointed or elected to preside over an organized body of people, such as an assembly or meeting.

The chairperson (also chair, chairman, or chairwoman) is the presiding officer of an organized group such as a board, committee, or deliberative assembly. The person holding the office, who is typically elected or appointed by members of the group, presides over meetings of the group, and conducts the group's business in an orderly fashion.In some organizations, the chairperson is also known as president (or other title).

The chief executive of a republic.

A chairman or chairwoman.

The chief executive officer of the United States, with powers as determined by the US Constitution.

A chairman or chairwoman, someone who presides over a meeting, board, etc.

The chief officer of a branch of government, corporation, board of trustees, university, or similar body.

The officer who presides at the meetings of an organization;

The head of state of a republic.

In presidential republics, the head of government and head of state.

Primary leader of a corporation. Not to be confused with CEO, which is a related but separate position that is sometimes held by a different person.

A person presiding over a meeting; a chair, presiding officer, presider.

Obsolete form of precedent

(archaic) Occupying the first rank or chief place; having the highest authority; presiding.

To act as president; to do presidential duties.

Precedent.

One who is elected or appointed to preside; a presiding officer, as of a legislative body.

A protector; a guardian; a presiding genius.

Occupying the first rank or chief place; having the highest authority; presiding.

An executive officer of a firm or corporation

The person who holds the office of head of state of the United States government;

The chief executive of a republic

The officer who presides at the meetings of an organization;

The head administrative officer of a college or university

The office of the United States head of state;

Yes, in some organizations, one person can hold both roles, but it is often separated to balance power and enhance governance.

The president is primarily responsible for the organization's management and leadership, while the chairperson focuses on governing the board.

Similar to for-profits, they manage daily operations and strategic direction, albeit within the framework of non-profit goals.

Yes, they often participate to report on the organization's status and strategy, though they may not have a vote unless also a board member.

Both roles typically require extensive leadership experience, but a president also needs operational expertise, while a chairperson needs a strong grasp of governance.

Usually not; their role is more about strategic oversight and governance.

They ensure that the board functions effectively, providing guidance on policy and strategic response.

In public companies, presidents face more regulatory and shareholder scrutiny, whereas in private companies, they often have more operational flexibility.

The board typically appoints the president, while the chairperson is elected by the board members.

Through the effectiveness of board governance, decision-making, and strategic oversight.

The president often has higher visibility and is seen as the leader of the organization, while the chairperson's role is perceived as more behind-the-scenes in governance.

The president proposes strategic plans, which the chairperson and board review and approve.

To prevent conflicts of interest and promote balanced, effective governance.

Yes, conflicts can arise over control and direction, which requires clear delineation of responsibilities to manage.

They significantly shape the culture through their leadership style and management practices.