Is there a difference between leaving the organization (retiring), filling a vacancy, and resigning?
Our bylaws state: "When an office becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, removal of the incumbent, the Executive Board shall elect a successor by majority vote, no later than thirty days from the date the office is vacated."
Does the above apply to a vacancy created when an officer retires? How about if a board member gets elected by the board to fill a higher vacancy? I'm asking because these are not included in the "reasons" of the quote. Do these two situation imply resignation, or must a formal resignation be given?
I'm particularly confused in the vacancy-filling case because we have a bylaw against holding or running for more than one office. I've heard that filling a vacancy is not the same as being elected in that the vacancy-filler simply reverts to his old position at the end of the once-vacant term. Of course, I don't see how this can work because it could cause a cascade of "demotions" as board members slide back to their original position
Dear Sean,
I am scratching my head on this one. The person who fills the vacancy of an office is treated the same as being elected to that office. When his term is over he does not or cannot return to an old position unless he is elected to it. Your bylaws state how a vacancy is created. Don't think in terms of a difference. They are all treated the same.
Once a person leaves his office for a higher office the lower office should be filled by someone else. When a person finishes a term in office, he returns to the membership as a regular member. At that time he can be considered for other offices if the bylaws allow this.
Cheerio,
Little Ben
Question submitted by Sean on January 4, 2016