Chair of the Grand Unified Micronational

Chair of the Grand Unified Micronational
Incumbent Henry Clémens since 20 September 2024
Style	Mr. Chair Esteemed Chair His Excellency
Appointer	Quorum
Term length	Six months
Inaugural holder	Kalvin Koolidge
Formation	15 February 2009
Succession	Election

The Chair of the Grand Unified Micronational (formerly known officially as the Chair of the Quorum of Delegates) is the executive leader and chief administrative officer of the Grand Unified Micronational. Akin to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the chairperson is the most senior of the three recognized leaders of the GUM, with the office taking precedence over all other political appointments and positions in the organization. The chair exercises a wide range of powers within the organization, though they have little direct control over member states and their representatives, with the vast majority of their powers being technical and administrative. The chair is the presiding officer of the Quorum of Delegates, serving as a de facto speaker for that chamber, and exercising many of the powers usually vested in the speaker of a legislative chamber. The Chair nominates a Vice-Chair to assist and deputize for them where necessary.

The chair serves for a period of six months, which may be interrupted by a vote of no confidence.

The current Chair is Henry Clémens of the Uber-Essian Union, having won the the September 2024 special election created by the resignation of Newton von Uberquie.

Creation

The post of chairman was first formally established on 15 February 2009, over a month since the founding of the Grand Unified Micronational. In his capacity as the founder of the institution, Jacob Tierney had been acting as the de facto leader of the GUM, presiding over meetings of what would become known as the Quorum on an informal basis. As the institution began to grow and expand, it soon became apparent that it required a clearly defined leader and administrative chief. As such, it was decided that the organisation would be headed by a chairman, who would be elected quarterly alongside councils. Kalvin Koolidge became the first Chairman of the GUM on 15 February, serving until 12 April, being succeeded by Robert Lethler. With the implementation of the GUM Constitution later that month, the posting officially became known as the chair, the role of which remains largely defined by the roles played by Koolidge and Lethler in those first few months in the history of the GUM.

Election

See also: Elections in the Grand Unified Micronational

The chair serves for a period of six months, although prior to the adoption of the former charter in June 2016, the chair served for a term of only three months. The chair is elected by all full members in a ballot held online, with one vote allotted to each member state.

Timeline

List of GUM Chairs

#	Portrait	Name Origin (nation)	Vice-Chair	Term of office		Political affiliation
1		Kalvin Koolidge Republic of Petorio	N/A	15 February 2009	13 April 2009	Independent Considered Moderate
			One of the original members of the Grand Unified Micronational. During his term a judicial branch was created for the organization, a constitution was written, the Altanian War began, the Meissner-Antifan War was ended with peacekeeping efforts by the GUM Security Council and the Grand Empire of Fuzzel was dissolved. Played a major role in the creation of future conventions still used by the GUM today. The Camurian War began during his term and ended towards the end of Robert Lethler's term.
2		Robert Lethler Democratic People's Republic of Erusia	Kalvin Koolidge (from 31 May)	13 April 2009	13 July 2009	Erusian National Communist Party
			Previously served briefly as the first de facto Supreme Judge of the GUM. Wrote the original version of the constitution, which was adopted during his term. Introduced a new voting system, the creation of a vice-chair, attempts to reform the Advancement and Security Councils and a greater emphasis on the core ideals of the GUM. Several intermicronational conflicts involving the GUM happened during this term. Had served 91 days at the end of his term.
3		James Stewart Democratic Duchy of Francisville	Alexander Reinhardt (until 27 September)	13 July 2009	13 October 2009	Independent Considered Moderate
			Served a full 92 day term. Stewart mediated through a number of conflicts including the New Euro-Erusian War and the Rhodesian War. The latter resulted in the decline of the United Micronations (2008) and the subsequent hegemony of the GUM over the MicroWiki community. Also oversaw the introduction of Spanish as an official language of the GUM.
4		Robert Lethler Democratic People's Republic of Erusia	Wilhelm von Hartmann	13 October 2009	22 December 2009	Erusian National Communist Party
			First Chairman to successfully secure a second term; resigned his powers on 22 December and vested them in the vice-chair. By the end of this term had served 71 days.
–		Wilhelm von Hartmann Empire of New Europe Acting Chairman	None	22 December 2009	13 January 2010	Independent Considered Conservative
			First Vice-Chairman to act as chairman. All powers and duties of the Chair fell to Wilhelm von Hartmann, who served 22 days as Acting Chair.
5		Jacob Tierney Renasia	Ben Lawson (until Feb) Alexander Reinhardt (from Feb)	13 January 2010	13 April 2010	Independent Considered Moderate
			Founder of the GUM. He spent his term largely inactive due to personal reasons. Alexander Reinhardt served as "Vice-Chairman with emergency powers" during the majority of his term, but did not officially assume the role of Acting Chair. Served 90 days.
6		Robert Lethler Democratic People's Republic of Erusia	James von Puchow	13 April 2010	25 July 2010	Erusian National Communist Party
			First Chairman to successfully secure a third term, held for 103 days. By the end of this term he had served 265 days in office. Led a caretaker administration from 13 July to 25 July as a consequence of the withdrawal of the only candidate from the election in July 2010.
7		Will Sörgel Democratic People's Republic of Sandus	James von Puchow	25 July 2010	28 July 2010	Citizens' Communist Party of Sandus
			The Grand Unified Micronational's only elected chairman to step down from his position before the first Quorum of his term. As a consequence, James von Puchow, Vice-Chairman, was given the position of Acting Chair of the GUM for the remainder of M. Sörgel's term.
–		James von Puchow Antarctic Community Of Landashir Acting Chairman	None	28 July 2010	13 September 2010	Independent Considered Progressive
			Second Vice-Chairman to act as chairman, due to the resignation of Will Sörgel. Presided over the GUM when both its influence and levels of activity were rapidly declining. Entered into failed negotiations with the OAM regarding a proposed merger, and attempted to initiate a reform of the organisation, the only aspects of which that were actually implemented were bringing back the election schedule by - and therefore reducing his own term by - one month, and removing the last chances for the organisation to return to activity in the short term by dissolving the Councils. Announced that he had "dissolved" the organisation on 20 September 2010.
Vacant from 13 September 2010 to 14 August 2011
–		Jacob Tierney Renasia Acting Chairman	Will Sörgel (Acting)	14 August 2011	13 September 2011	Independent Considered Moderate
			Informed various "former" member states that the GUM was de jure merely dormant, gathered together a Quorum and was elected Acting Chair. Led the effort to bring the organisation back from inactivity, and arranged for constitutional elections to take place a month after the "re-birth" of the GUM. Held office during the Yablokogate Scandal.
8		Jacob Tierney Renasia	Will Sörgel	13 September 2011	13 December 2011	Independent Considered Moderate
			The first constitutionally elected chairman in over a year, and the first chairman to be elected as such immediately after holding the position of Acting Chair. Oversaw the restoration of activity of the Security Council, the restoration of weekly national reports, and a large growth in the organisation's membership. Served a full 91 day term.
9		Jonathan Nobilissimus Caesar Empire of Austenasia	Sebastian Linden (until 18 Dec) Lucas Campos (from 18 Dec)	13 December 2011	13 March 2012	Theodorist Party of Austenasia
			The first chairman to appoint his vice-chair directly (albeit with approval from the Quorum) rather than have them elected. Successfully implemented a reform of the Constitution by codifying conventions and removing needless bureaucratic or defunct features. Oversaw the restoration of activity of the Advancement Council, the creation of a micronational human rights treaty, the establishment of the GUM Lounge and the status of observers, and a further large growth in the organisation's membership. Served a full 91 day term.
10		Bradley of Dullahan Kingdom of Wyvern	Will Sörgel (from 14 Mar)	13 March 2012	22 April 2012	Wyvernian Liberal Party
			Oversaw the de facto abolition of permanent observer status and encouraged several projects of the Advancement Council. Created the offices of Secretaries of the Advancement and Security Council. The first chair to be made to resign through a vote of no confidence, after being accused by a majority of member states of incompetence and a lack of knowledge on the Constitution, conventions, workings and proceedings of the organisation.
–		Will Sörgel State of Sandus Acting Chairman	Jonathan Nobilissimus Caesar (Acting) (from 25 Apr)	22 April 2012	13 June 2012	Citizens' Communist Party of Sandus
			The third vice-chairman to act as chairman, due to the vote of no confidence passed against the Duke of Dullahan. Oversaw a large growth in membership.
11		Jonathan Nobilissimus Caesar Empire of Austenasia	Jacob Tierney (from 17 Jun)	13 June 2012	13 September 2012	Theodorist Party of Austenasia
			Re-elected to a second term as chairman. Restored permanent observer status and oversaw a regulation of the Official Diplomatic Staff. Chaired the first physically held in-person Quorum session on 15 July 2012 in London, and chaired and helped to organise the 24 Hour Quorum held a month later which raised over £80 for various charities. Held office during the creation of an application form for non-members.
12		Jacob Tierney Free State of Renasia	Yaroslav Mar (from 16 Sep)	13 September 2012	13 December 2012	Independent Considered Moderate
			The first chairman to be elected to a third term since Robert Lethler. Changed Quorum meetings from weekly to fortnightly.
13		Yaroslav Mar Republic of Lostisland	Bradley of Dullahan (from 16 Dec)	13 December 2012	19 January 2013	Lostislandic National Congress
			Oversaw the creation of the GUM Post. Resigned as a result of controversy arising from accusations he plotted to remove political opponents from the GUM with the complicity of the vice-chair and the Secretary of the Security Council.
–		Bradley of Dullahan Kingdom of Wyvern Acting Chairman	None	19 January 2013	19 January 2013	Wyvernian Liberal Party
			Became de jure Acting Chairman upon the resignation of Yaroslav Mar as Mar's vice-chair, but resigned after 46 minutes in office.
–		Jonathan I Empire of Austenasia Acting Chairman	Tom Turner (Acting) (from 20 Jan)	19 January 2013	13 March 2013	Theodorist Party of Austenasia
			Became Acting Chairman (as Supreme Judge; the only time the holder of said office has ever had to assume the chair due to the resignation of both the chair and vice-chair) after the resignation of Yaroslav Mar and Bradley of Dullahan. Oversaw the restoration of the organisation after the 2012-13 GUM leadership scandal, with many members who had left rejoining.
14		Richard Hytholoday Dominion of Burnham	Leon Simpson (from 17 Mar)	13 March 2013	13 June 2013	Independent Considered Theodorist
			Suspended the Security Council on the grounds of inactivity and vulnerability to corruption. Oversaw the creation of a new GUM website, membership application form and official Chair e-mail address. Also increased the quota of provisional member slots from five to ten.
15		Jacob Tierney Free State of Renasia	Will Sörgel (from 30 Jun)	13 June 2013	13 September 2013	Independent Considered Moderate
			First Chair to be elected to a fourth term, a record he would hold for over eight years. Presided over a period of declining activity, acknowledging himself at the end of his term to have been a "placeholder and peace-keeper".
16		Quentin I Kingdom of Wyvern	Kuri Kabanov (from 15 Sep)	13 September 2013	13 December 2013	People's Party of Wyvern
			Served over a period of general inactivity in the GUM, the zenith of which the organisation reached when it failed to properly organise the December 2013 elections. Oversaw the abolition of the membership cap. The first chairman to represent and originate from the same country as a former Chairman.
17		Ciprian I Kingdom of Juclandia	Adam I (from 15 Dec)	13 December 2013	13 March 2014	Independent Considered Radical
			Oversaw the expulsion and demotion of several inactive member states. Moved part of the duties of the Quorum to a new venue, the forum. Re-founded the Press Secretariat for the GUM to serve as its PR office. Brought back the weekly Quorum meetings. Oversaw the opening of a Constituent Assembly and the successful abolition of the Constitution and ratification of a Charter for the GUM, which involved a structural reform of the organisation, by abolishing the Advancement and Security Councils, the abolition of all past GUM legislation, more powers for the Vice Chair, and different systems for approving or expelling member states, as well as other provisions.
18		Bradley of Dullahan Kingdom of Wyvern	Arthur Lobão (from 16 Mar)	13 March 2014	13 June 2014	Wyvernian Liberal Party
			Oversaw the creation of the Advisory Staff, an organ made to advise the chair, and later its abolition. Created the GUM Staff, an organ made up of all GUM officials, and created the GUM Peacekeeper Award, to be given to promoters of peace. Attempted to promote dialogue between the administrations of MicroWiki and MicroWikia.
19		Vera Hewitt Ashukov Federation	Arthur Lobão	13 June 2014	13 September 2014	National Party of Ashukovo
			Elected after having served a full term as Chairman of the Justice Commission. Oversaw the establishment of two committees, the Committee for the Drafting of a New Charter and the Mock Trial Committee. Oversaw GUM acquisition of the news.micronation.org service. Oversaw the establishment of the GUM Library, and the creation of a wiki to serve as its hub. However, the Staff seldom met and Quorum was often postponed due to personal issues.
20		Adam I Empire of Adammia	Fionnbarra Ó Cathail (from 14 Sep)	13 September 2014	13 December 2014	Liberal Party of Adammia
			Oversaw an overhaul of the organisation's internal administration, bringing many records up to date. Oversaw the creation of Junior Secretaries to assist the elected Secretaries, the creation of a directory of delegates, and the expulsion of three inactive member states.
21		Taeglan I Nihilus Reylan Imperial Triumvirate	Newton von Uberquie (from 21 Dec)	13 December 2014	1 April 2015	Independent Considered Monarchist
			Presided over rapidly declining activity in the GUM. Led a caretaker administration from 13 March to 1 April 2015 following the failure of regularly scheduled elections.
22		Adam I Empire of Adammia	Vera Hewitt (until 14 Jun)	1 April 2015	30 July 2015	Liberal Party of Adammia
			Led the Extraordinary Constituent Quorum which on 14 June 2015 transitioned the GUM from an international organisation of micronations into an association of micronationalists, leaving behind only the GUM Lounge.
23		Jonathan I Empire of Austenasia	Fionnbarra Ó Cathail (Acting) (from 26 Apr)	30 July 2015	25 June 2016	Independent Considered Monarchist
			Elected under the provisions put in place for the GUM as an association based in the Lounge. Broke the record of Jacob Tierney for the longest time served as chairman on 27 January 2016 (4 January if time as Acting Chairman is counted). Led the process of transitioning the GUM back into a functioning intergovernmental organisation, chairing Quorums in the Lounge to draft a new Charter, which was adopted on 4 June, triggering elections.
24		Fionnbarra Ó Cathail Confederation of Leylandiistan & Gurvata	Jonathan I	25 June 2016	10 September 2016	Conradh Daonlathais
			The first chairman to be elected under the 2016 Charter. Oversaw a growth in membership and the consolidation of the newly revived organisation. Resigned halfway through his term upon the impending dissolution of his micronation.
–		Jonathan I Empire of Austenasia Acting Chairman	Bradley of Dullahan	10 September 2016	25 December 2016	Independent Considered Monarchist
			Became Acting Chair for a second time upon the resignation of the chair. Oversaw the restarting of the Diplomabear World Tour under GUM supervision, amendments to the Charter, and a growth in membership.
25		Adam I Kingdom of Überstadt	Shiro. (until 11 Mar) Henry Clémens (from 11 Mar)	25 December 2016	28 March 2017	Independent Considered Socialist
			Oversaw judicial reform, the establishing of the SCRIL, and another amendment to the charter. Resigned due to other commitments infringing on his available time.
–		Henry Clémens Essian Commonwealth	Newton von Uberquie (from 2 Apr)	28 March 2017	25 June 2017	Independent Considered Liberal
			Became Acting Chair upon the resignation of the chair. Organised a second 24 Hour Quorum, saw the publication of the first GUM International Exhibitions, and the reorganisation of several inactive Secretaries into Secretariats. Appointed the first Associate Justices and expelled several inactive member states. Re-created a GUM email address and oversaw the creation of the GUM portal.
26			Newton von Uberquie (until 24 Sep) Tarik Kârjasary (from 24 Sep)	25 June 2017	25 December 2017	Independent Considered Liberal
			Elected Chairman unopposed; only the second chairman to be elected as such immediately after holding the position of Acting Chair (after Tierney in September 2011). Passed an amendment creating the office of Speaker pro tempore, though later in his term repealed that same amendment. Saw the first Quarterly Statistical Report published. Oversaw the creation of an improved GUM News website. Attempted to combat growing inactivity in both the GUM and the MicroWiki community as a whole. Oversaw the loss and removal of multiple inactive member states and was responsible for several leadership reshuffles. Dissolved the SCRIL. At the end of his term instituted an amendment loosening Quorum into a monthly affair, moving most discussion and activity to the Lounge. The first chairman to serve a full six-month term under the 2016 Charter.
27		Adam I Kingdom of Überstadt	Max I (from 14 Jan)	25 December 2017	7 July 2018	Independent Considered Socialist
			Previous Chairman. Served slightly over six months in office due to a delayed start of the election process.
28		Adam I Empire of Adammia	Max I	7 July 2018	31 December 2018	Liberal-Moderate Party of Adammia
			Elected to a third term. Took personal responsibility for many executive functions rather than appointing secretaries. Oversaw the adoption of the Wrythe Convention. Renovated the GUM news site and added a new membership application form. Oversaw the transition of the GUM from Skype to Discord and an associated increase in membership.
			Max I	1 January 2019	30 June 2019	Liberal-Moderate Party of Adammia
			First Chair since Tierney to be elected to a fourth term, and the only chair to date to have won two consecutive elections. Organised and oversaw the third 24 Hour Quorum and the 2019 GUM Birmingham Summit.
29		Bradley of Dullahan Kingdom of Wyvern	Jonathan I (from 7 Jul)	1 July 2019	31 December 2019	Wyvernian Liberal Party
			Elected to a third term. Vice-Chair Jonathan I served as vice-chair with emergency powers from 27 November to 2 December due to the Duke of Dullahan having problems with internet connectivity for a week. Oversaw the increase in powers of the chair to make executive proclamations outside the Quorum, appoint Ad-interim staff members and suspend staff members for inactivity or misconduct. Proposed the creation of the Secretariat for Micronational Development and the Micronational Development Awards. Oversaw the end of the Greater Community Project and the start of the GUM Outreach project with the aim of making the GUM the bridge between communities. proposed the creation of the Advisory Council, an honorary position for former Chairs who had contributed a lot to the GUM. Increased the frequency Quorums were held from once a month to once every two weeks. Changed the names of the Outreach Officer and Events Officer to Diplomacy Secretary and Events Secretary respectively, to make sure all names of the functions within the Staff had the same style.
30		Thomas I Kingdom of Hrafnarfjall	Matthew S. (from 11 Jan)	1 January 2020	30 June 2020	Independent
			Organised the fourth 24 Hour Quorum. Despite serving through several scandals and the death of Diplomacy & Recruitment Secretary Nicholas Randouler, oversaw continued growth of the organisation to a record 40 full member states.
31		Newton von Uberquie Uber-Essian Union	Matthew S.	1 July 2020	31 December 2020	Emo Rights Party
			Organised the first Virtual GUM Summit and became the first chair in 8 years to meet his vice-chair in person. Oversaw the organisation through chaos within the MicroWiki community, but still achieved growth to a record of 50 members. Initiated Charter reform for the first time since 2016.
32		Jack Dean Commonwealth of Essexia	Matthew of Essexia (until 11 Mar) Vera Hewitt (20 Mar - 13 Jun) Terry of Essexia (from 21 Jun)	1 January 2021	30 June 2021	Royalist Party of Essexia
			Elected with the largest number of votes amidst the largest turnout in a GUM Chair election so far. Introduced a number of reforms including the Asia and Pacific Secretary, aided in the creation and implementation of the 2021 Charter, shifted votes to a 24-hour format, restarted the GUM-MDI initiative, launched a GUM Minecraft server, oversaw the restructuring of the discord server and created the Green Development Project, among other things. Nominated the most Vice-Chairs of any Chair (4), had the largest number of Vice-Chairs of any chair to date (3), and saw the first time a Chair and Vice-Chair were both delegates for the same micronation (Matthew of Essexia whilst acting Vice-Chair, and Terry of Essexia). Attempted to greatly encourage the growth of members from the eastern hemisphere, and oversaw a large-scale removal of inactive members. Resigned just 6 minutes before the end of his term.
-		Terry of Essexia Commonwealth of Essexia Acting Chairman	None	30 June 2021	30 June 2021	The Greens (Essexia)
			Became Acting Chairman after Jack resigned during the transition period; he therefore holds the shortest term so far at 6 minutes. First time that a succeeding chairman has been from the same micronation as their predecessor.
33		Anthony R. Clark New Florence	Ashley Jaax (until 22 Aug) Lord Mike Lewis (from 30 Aug)	1 July 2021	31 December 2021	Green Party of New Florence
			Clark's administration initially focused on internal matters, like recordkeeping, membership applications, and the GUM's online presence. As the term progressed, the Clark administration organised the GUM's first Asia event, the 2021 24-Hour Quorum, a GUM Census, and a GUM World Map. Work also began to re-launch the GUM Guides as a quasi-journal. He also oversaw further legal developments to the GUM's Charter and Statutes.
34		Adam I Empire of Adammia	Jack Dean (until 23 Mar) Vera Hewitt (23 Mar - 17 Jun) Newton von Uberquie (from 18 Jun)	1 January 2022	30 June 2022	Liberal-Moderate Party of Adammia
			Elected to a record fifth term and became the longest-serving GUM Chair ever, becoming the first to accumulate over two years in the role. His term was marked by controversy in the community, in which he played a key mediating role between the MicroWiki administration and an anti-admin movement. However, this drama also saw the departure of key figures, including a vote of no confidence in Supreme Justice Abrams I of Ikonia, and it caused many manifesto pledges to be sidelined. Oversaw the return of membership applications to the main Quorum sessions.
35		Anthony Barauskis Republic of Tinland	Rory Leonard	1 July 2022	15 August 2022	Independent
			Won the GUM Chair election in a surprise victory. Following a brief six week term, a vote of no confidence was proposed against him for alleged "staffing issues... and a failure to comprehend the statutes and standing laws of the organisation", triggered by his failure to accurately report the attendance of another member state and also grounded in a perceived lack of action on manifesto pledges. Barauskis chose to resign rather than to contest the vote. Oversaw a notable improvement of the organisation's social media presence.
-		Rory Leonard Empire of Lurdentania Acting Chairman	Jack Dean (from 21 Aug)	15 August 2022	6 September 2022	Independent
			Became the acting chair following a vote of no confidence filed against Anthony Barauskis.
36		Jonathan I Empire of Austenasia	Newton von Uberquie	6 September 2022	31 December 2022	Independent Considered Monarchist
			Elected to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Chair Anthony Barauskis, on a platform of overseeing a return to order after the past few months of instability, and cracking down on unprofessional behaviour. Oversaw the creation of the Heritage Council alongside Vice-Chair Newton von Uberquie, organised and chaired the organisation's third in-person Quorum, and arranged for a replacement for Diplomabear. Held some Quorums at non-standard times of day to cater to delegations from different timezones.
37		Shiro Mephistopheles Imperial Federation of Zenrax	Jonathan I	1 January 2023	30 June 2023	Independent
			Continued the policy of Jonathan I to hold Quorums at different times for different timezones, nominating him as Vice Chair and alternating the chairing of meetings with him. Held office during a time of decreasing engagement with the organisation by many delegations.
38		Simon White Commonwealth of New Virginia	James Bornstein (until 9 Oct) Bradley of Dullahan (from 24 Oct)	1 July 2023	31 December 2023	Free Democratic Party
			Presided over a period of decreasing activity, with some long gaps between Quorum meetings and the resignation of his initial Vice Chair. Created a Reform Committee to discuss prospective future changes to the organisation.
39		Anthony Barauskis Republic of Tinland	Sertor Valentinus	1 January 2024	30 June 2024	Independent
			Elected to a second term in office. Oversaw increasing activity and a sixth 24 Hour Quorum. Oversaw the dissolution of the Reform Committee and led reform discussions directly within Quorum sessions instead. Was compared favourably to his first term.
40		Newton von Uberquie Uber-Essian Union	Anthony Barauskis	1 July 2024	23 August 2024	Emo Rights Party
			Elected to a second term in office.
-		Anthony Barauskis Republic of Tinland Acting Chairman	None	23 August 2024	20 September 2024	Independent
			All powers and duties of the Chair fell to Anthony Baruskis after Newton von Uberquie resigned as chair on 23 August 2024 , and Anthony is now the Acting Chair.
41		Henry Clémens Uber-Essian Union	Newton von Uberquie	20 September 2024	present	People's Alliance
			Elected to a second term, becoming only the second time two delegates from the same nation have been elected Chair.

References

Footnotes