Distinct, Focused Leadership Roles
Challenge
Currently, one person fulfills the responsibilities of both the President and Chair. However, the combination of the Board President and Chair roles overlooks the distinct skillsets and time commitments that each position requires.
This proposal is the same as was made in 2025. In their comments after the Bylaws vote, members expressed comfort with splitting the President and Chair roles. This was confirmed with the 2026 member survey.
Opportunity
Separate the President and Chair roles to better align individuals’ strengths and experiences with the unique demands of each position, resulting in more effective leadership.
Proposal
The Board President would be selected by the members in the general election as they are now. The Board Chair would be selected by Board members from among sitting Board members, as they are in the best position to identify individuals who excel at facilitating discussions and guiding the group toward effective decisions.
Roles and Responsibilities FAQs
Separating the President and Chair roles recognizes that the each position requires different skills, experience and areas of focus. It allows the Board to align the strengths of its leaders with the distinct responsibilities of each role. Past Presidents and Chairs (who held both roles) report spending 600 to 800 hours per year in the combined role, making it a significant time commitment, particularly for someone who is also actively working. Separating the roles supports more effective leadership and decision-making, enables selection of the individuals best suited for each role, creates additional leadership opportunities for members, and results in a more manageable time commitment for each role.
The President of the Board is the public representative of the SOA and will attend a variety of global and profession-wide events. Additionally, the President is a voting member of the Board of Directors.
The Board Chair is the governance leader of the organization. The Board Chair sets the Board agenda and leads and facilitates the Board meetings. The Chair helps lead strategy development and works with the SOA CEO to ensure smooth operations and corporate compliance. The Chair does not have independent authority to change SOA policy or operations.
The primary role of the Chair is to lead the Board. Therefore, Board members are in the best position to identify individuals who excel at facilitating discussions, presenting alternative points of view, and guiding the group toward effective decisions. This approach aligns with leading governance practices.
Only an FSA is eligible to serve as President.
Because the President is a public-facing role that represents the SOA and its members, the Board felt it was important for the members to have a choice for that position. Additionally, the competitive election process showcases some of the skills required for that role, such as public speaking and social media engagement.
Any Board member who is not in a Presidential role is eligible to serve as Chair.
The 2026-27 President Elect will serve as President Elect and Vice Chair during 2026-27, and President and Chair during 2027-28. If this Bylaws amendment is passed, they will be the last person to serve in the combined roles of President and Chair.
During 2027-28, the membership will elect a candidate to serve as President Elect in 2027-28, and President in 2028-29. The Board will elect the chair from among the non-Presidential Board members for its 2028-29 term.