Being a Chair

What is a Chair?
Chairs are appointed by the TRB Executive Director upon the recommendation of TRB staff.  Chairs provide oversight and manage the responsibilities assigned to their respective committee, section, group, or task force.

• A chair is the main point of contact for committee members and TRB staff
• Chairs aid in the development of the TRB Annual Meeting program
• Committee and section chairs may serve up to two consecutive three-year terms
• Group chairs may serve only one three-year term

Contact a chair today by visiting the standing committee and task force home page.

Chair Responsibilities
There are a number of responsibilities required of TRB standing committees and task forces that chairs are tasked with maintaining, such as:

• Promoting innovation and progress in transportation through research
• Identifying needed research, research in progress, and disseminating completed research
• Assisting in the development of the TRB Annual Meeting
• Reviewing papers submitted for presentation at the Annual Meeting and for publication consideration in a Transportation Research Record

Chair Tools
Following is a list of references available to assist chairs in meeting their responsibilities:

• TRB Technical Activities Leadership Guide is a reference for chairs regarding the procedures to be followed in carrying out the Technical Activities Division’s activities.  The Guide also includes a calendar of key dates for chairs of Groups, Sections and committees.
• New Chair Orientation presentation highlights the key responsibilities of chairs.
• How to Run a Committee guide is a synthesis of advice received from experienced chairs, presented in the hope that all chairs will benefit from this knowledge.
• TRB Annual Meeting Paper Review and Program Development website assists chairs in reviewing papers and managing session, workshop and committee meeting details for the Annual Meeting and Transportation Research Records. 
• Online Membership Directory is a password protected system for authorized users to obtain full contact information for appointed committee members. Authorized users are provided with login information from TRB staff upon their appointment. 
• TRB Website Best Practices document provides recommendations for chairs to consider when developing committee or task force supported websites.  Chairs and Committee Communication Coordinators "CCC" can receive more information about their communications portfolio on the CCC website.

Most Requested Information

Chair Resources

Deadlines & Deliverables

Leadership Guide

New Chair Orientation

How to Run a Committee Guidance

Online Annual Meeting Paper Review and Program Development Website

Membership Directory Login

TRB Website Best Practices

How to Get Involved with a Committee

Standing Committee & Task Force Member Guide

Annual Meeting: Survive and Thrive Webinars

TRB Awards: descriptions

CRP Deadlines

TRB Research Information

Research Needs Database (RNS)

Research in Progress (RiP)

Transportation Research Information Service (TRIS)