Accidental additional board member appointment

[Guest Kim]

Due to inattention, 2 people were appointed to our non-profit board of directors when there was only one opening. We now have an even number of members (not good). How can I fix this without being the bad guy? This next meeting will be our first meeting after elections/appointments.

[Gary Novosielski]

There's nothing evil about even numbers, so that's not what needs to be fixed. The point is that you can't exceed the number of directors specified in the bylaws. The one who fixes a violation of the bylaws is, by definition, the good guy.

You should raise a point of order at the next meeting.

To remedy the situation, if neither of the two is willing to step down. hold an election.

[Guest Edgar]

Due to inattention, 2 people were appointed to our non-profit board of directors when there was only one opening. We now have an even number of members . . .

No you don't. Whoever was appointed second (to a position that doesn't exist) wasn't appointed at all.

[Trina]

There's nothing evil about even numbers, so that's not what needs to be fixed. The point is that you can't exceed the number of directors specified in the bylaws. The one who fixes a violation of the bylaws is, by definition, the good guy.

You should raise a point of order at the next meeting.

To remedy the situation, if neither of the two is willing to step down. hold an election.

You don't think the second person to be appointed is automatically the one who is out (as Edgar said)? Why not?

I suppose if the two people were somehow appointed simultaneously, then a choice would have to be made. Guest_Kim, what were the circumstances of the two appointments -- sequential, or simultaneous?