Chairman

Non-canonical termThis subject matter was never named by a canonical source. However, for the purposes of identification and clarity, the term Chairman has been provisionally adopted by the Wiki.

Chairman
Affiliation	Planetary Union
Rank	Admiral (possible)
Occupation / Position	Chairperson
Portrayed by	F. Murray Abraham
First Seen	Sanctuary
Biographical information
Status	Alive
Home Planet	Xelaya
Physical description
Species	Xelayan
Gender	Male

An unnamed Xelayan Admiral served as Chairman of the Planetary Union Council. He directed the Council's debate over "The Sanctuary" in mid-2421.

Career

The chairman was likely an admiral in the Planetary Union, as evidenced by an unusual black-and-gold Command insignia worn on his right breast.

When not speaking before the Council, the chairman sat beside the Xelayan ambassador, implying he was a member of the delegation of Xelaya as well.

The chairman opened debate on the Council floor and led discussion regarding whether to recognize The Sanctuary, a refuge for Moclan women and girls, as an independent state.

Production

The council chairman was a cameo by F. Murray Abraham. While the character seems to be a civilian on screen, in an August 4, 2018 interview, director Jonathan Frakes was clear that the council chairman was an admiral in the Planetary Union. Note that the character wears a special command insignia, which may indicate an elevated position in the Union's admiralty.

Trivia

• This character is never named in The Orville or in the episode credits. He was identified only as 'chairman' or 'chairperson.'

Appearances

• Episode 2x12: Sanctuary