Vice Admiral (Dr.) Thomas Nelson, the first Starfleet Chief of Staff
STARFLEET CHIEF OF STAFF
The Starfleet Chief of Staff is the senior most officer of the Earth Starfleet and authority to which all Starfleet division chiefs report. The position was created in June 2145; the first Starfleet Chief of Staff was Rear Admiral (Dr.) Thomas Nelson, promoted as the first Starfleet Vice Admiral, who had formerly served as the first Chief of Starfleet Operations. The Starfleet Chief of Staff also serves as Chairman of the Starfleet Command Council.
STARFLEET COMMAND COUNCIL
The Starfleet Command Council was established in March 2143 as the senior most command and policy agency of the Starfleet. Originally, the Chief of Starfleet Operations served as Chairman of the Command Council while the remaining Starfleet flag officers comprised the council members. This was changed in June 2145 with the creation of the office of Starfleet Chief of Staff, after which the Chief of Staff served as Chairman with the Chief of Operations as Vice Chairman. Decisions of the Command Council are generally decided by vote; however, the Chairman of the Council may override any motion deemed not in the best interests of the Starfleet.