The chief executive officer (CEO) is the primary leader in an organization. Though he or she may be known by many other names, such as president, executive director, and chief administrator, the CEO’s role is more or less the same. The CEO’s scope of authority varies, depending on whether the organization is a CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP, sole PROPRIETORSHIP, or nonprofit organization. In corporations or nonprofit organizations with a BOARD OF DIRECTORS, the board has controlling power of the corporation. The CEO reports to the members of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS and sometimes the CEO also serves as the president or chairman of the board. There are no standardized lists of the major functions and responsibilities of a CEO, though there are some things almost every CEO is expected to do. A CEO is expected to be a visionary, information bearer, and decision maker. As a leader, the CEO advises the board of directors, identifies and promotes changes, and is chief motivator of the people within the organization. While the CEO rarely oversees day-to-day operations, he or she is responsible for overall design, promotion, and delivery of products and services to achieve the organization’s objectives. The CEO is also expected to be a visionary, looking forward and anticipating changes needed for long-term survival and growth. CEOs are sometimes the major community spokesperson for an organization. As a decision maker, the CEO is expected to oversee operations of the organization, implement plans, and manage HUMAN RESOURCES as well as financial and physical resources. The CEO recommends yearly budgets to the board of directors and manages resources with the guidelines determined by the board. Most CEOs are energetic, articulate, and creative thinkers and leaders, with the ability to quickly comprehend information and solve problems. Depending on the nature of the organization, CEOs may also require a technical background in addition to a sound understanding of business practices.