Who is the first member named by the presiding officer of a committee?

The chairperson is the first member named by the presiding officer of a committee because this individual is responsible for leading the committee's meetings and ensuring that all procedures are followed correctly. The chairperson sets the agenda, facilitates discussions, and makes decisions on procedural matters, playing a critical role in guiding the committee toward its objectives.

The responsibilities of the chairperson require them to be appointed first, as they are pivotal in coordinating the efforts of other committee members and in overseeing the overall functioning of the committee. This role is integral to maintaining order and directing the committee's work effectively, hence the presiding officer naturally identifies them first when appointing members to a committee.

Other positions such as the vice chair, secretary, and treasurer serve important functions but typically follow after the chairperson in terms of appointment or designation. The vice chair assists the chairperson and may take over if the chair is unavailable. The secretary is responsible for meeting minutes and record-keeping, while the treasurer manages financial matters. However, their roles are secondary to that of the chairperson.