Chair verbally resigned in a townhall tantrum

[Guest AnnieStan]

A recent "townhall" event was held to clarify new changes at our post. The board chair, in a childish outburst, verbally resigned from all committees and positions to include post membership and stormed out. At our board meeting tonight, half the board wants to allow him back in, citing emotions got the better of him. The other half doesn't want to reward childish behavior as this isn't the first time he's done this.  Do we have to vote to accept his verbal resignation in order for it to be valid? Is he allowed to just come back to the board and assume his position as chair or should he wait for the next election cycle? Thank you

[Rob Elsman]

The "childish behavior" you describe sounds more like neglect of duty to me.  While it is certainly permissible for a chair to step down if he is legitimately impeded, there is no excuse for his neglecting the duties of his office due solely to a "childish outburst".  If there is a desire to get rid of the chairman before the expiration of his term, he can be deposed from office.  Read RONR (12th ed.) §§61-63 for all the procedural details.

[Joshua Katz]

On 2/6/2024 at 1:26 AM, Guest AnnieStan said:

Do we have to vote to accept his verbal resignation in order for it to be valid?

The resignation must be accepted before he's out of office, yes. Whether the board or the membership accepts it depends on who has the authority to replace him. And if he's withdrawn the resignation without it having been accepted (unclear from what we're told) then it may no longer be accepted. 

On 2/6/2024 at 1:26 AM, Guest AnnieStan said:

Is he allowed to just come back to the board and assume his position as chair or should he wait for the next election cycle?

If his resignation was never accepted, he would not be coming back, simply remaining.