A department chair is a faculty member who leads a specific academic department within a school or university. This role involves overseeing the department's operations, managing budgets, and coordinating curriculum development. Department chairs also represent their department in meetings with higher administration and other departments. In addition to administrative duties, department chairs support faculty members by facilitating professional development and addressing any concerns. They play a crucial role in hiring new faculty and evaluating performance. Overall, department chairs help ensure that their department meets educational goals and maintains high academic standards.