Chairperson Executive Decision

[Guest Trish]

Can the Chairperson make an executive decision that binds the Board to resolve a topic that the Board has discussed but cannot reach agreement? In other words, a single vote to finalize the matter.

[Rev Ed]

The simple answer is no.

[hmtcastle]

the Board has discussed but cannot reach agreement?

The board doesn't have to reach "agreement". That's what voting is for.

[jstackpo]

But...

If the "executive decision" takes the form of a vote (breaking a tie, perhaps, when the Chair has not (yet) voted) that is fine.

Remember, a tie vote defeats a motion, so the president need not vote "No" if he wants to avoid he appearance of an "executive decision" (although, of course, he IS making a decision by not voting "Yes" and thus allowing the motion to fail.)

[Gary Novosielski]

But...

If the "executive decision" takes the form of a vote (breaking a tie, perhaps, when the Chair has not (yet) voted) that is fine.

Remember, a tie vote defeats a motion, so the president need not vote "No" if he wants to avoid he appearance of an "executive decision" (although, of course, he IS making a decision by not voting "Yes" and thus allowing the motion to fail.)

Yes, it's a decision, but not an executive decision. He's just deciding to exercise his right to vote, as any member may do, and his vote counts exactly the same as any other member's.