[atrt2] Chairs etc.

[Avri Doria]

Hi,

Just to write down the point I was making about a "chair and alternate chair" concept.  I find this is becoming an increasingly poplar notion both in ICANN and outside.  

One of the disadvantages of co-chairs, is that people on the outside of the group really don't know where to address the final responsibility for a group when there are co-chairs.  If they are both equal, do you have to address both of them all the time?  If one has made the call, do you get to go to the other for a revised all?

One of the disadvantages of a chair/vice chair arrangement is that the vice chair can rarely take any action without first consulting her boss, the chair.  This limits the usefulness of the vice chair role.

With a chair and an alternate chair, you find that the point-person is established and in case of diverging opinion between those with responsibility, you know who the tie breaker is.  But it allows the two to work together and cover each other's tasks.  What most often seems to happen is that they end up dividing responsibilities according to their inclinations and talents.  I beleive it has the advantage that both other arrangenemts offer without the disadvantages.

Just a thought,

avri