Which officer chairs a meeting if the president is not present?

The vice president is the officer designated to chair meetings in the absence of the president. This role is crucial because it ensures that there is continuity in leadership and that meetings can proceed without disruptions. The vice president typically steps into this role to ensure that the organization continues to function smoothly and that all agenda items are addressed.

In many organizational structures, the vice president is trained to take on the president's responsibilities and maintain the flow of communication among members. This delegation of duties not only empowers the vice president but also fosters a sense of teamwork, ensuring that all members are engaged and informed.

While other officers, like the secretary, treasurer, or executive officer, have specific responsibilities related to documentation, finances, or administrative tasks, they do not possess the same level of authority to lead meetings when the president is unavailable, emphasizing the importance of the vice president's role in maintaining order and direction during such times.