A county transportation authority at its first meeting, and thereafter, after the first complete calendar year, annually at the first meeting in January, shall elect a chairperson who shall preside at all meetings, and a vice chairperson who shall preside in his or her absence. In the event of their absence or inability to act, the members present, by an order entered in the minutes, shall select one of their members to act as chairperson pro tempore, who, while so acting, shall have the authority of the chairperson.