What happens when the president resigns before the organizational meeting

Presidential Resignation Before the Organizational Meeting

If a president resigns before the organizational meeting takes place, the organization must determine who has authority to preside and conduct business.

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If a Vice President Exists

Under RONR §47, the vice president automatically assumes the duties of the president when the president is unable to serve or vacates the office. This is the most common succession path. The vice president would then call and preside over the organizational meeting.

If No Vice President Exists (or the Vice President Also Resigned)

The organization should look to:

1. Bylaws – Most bylaws specify a line of succession (secretary, treasurer, etc.).
2. The secretary – Typically has authority to call the meeting to order temporarily.
3. The assembly itself – The body can elect a chair pro tempore to preside (RONR §47).

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At the Organizational Meeting Itself

Once the meeting is called to order, the body can:

• Fill the vacancy by election, per their bylaws.
• Elect an officer pro tempore to serve temporarily.

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Key Caveat

Your bylaws govern this situation first. RONR fills gaps where the bylaws are silent. Always check your organization's specific governing documents.