a professional woman stands confidently at the head of a conference table presenting to executives. She gestures toward charts and graphs while speaking on behalf of her absent boss. The original presenter is clearly missing from the usual head chair which sits empty. Her nameplate shows she is the assistant while she delivers the CEO's planned presentation. The seated executives listen attentively and take notes as she represents her superior's interests. Other meeting participants nod and engage with her as if she were the actual decision-maker. a person who acts or serves in place of another