A chairman is the person who leads a board of directors, which is a group that makes important decisions for an organization, company, or committee. The chairman runs board meetings, helps set the agenda for what topics to discuss, and makes sure everyone gets a chance to speak and vote on important matters.

Think of it like being the captain of a team, but for decision-making instead of playing. A chairman doesn't necessarily make all the decisions alone. Instead, they guide the conversation and help the group work together effectively. In a large company, the chairman of the board works with other directors to make major choices about the company's future, like whether to expand into new markets or hire a new CEO.

You might also hear the term used for someone leading a committee at school, like the chair of the student council or the chair of a fundraising committee. Some organizations now use chairperson or simply chair instead, which can refer to anyone leading the group regardless of gender. When someone “chairs” a meeting, they're acting as the chair and running the discussion.

The position comes with responsibility: a good chairman keeps meetings organized, treats everyone fairly, and helps the group make wise decisions together.