Chaired

Past tense of chair; presided over or led a meeting, committee, or organization. Acted as the chairperson or moderator of a formal gathering.

From the noun 'chair' (from Old French 'chaiere,' ultimately from Greek 'kathedra' meaning seat). The verb form emerged in the 17th century from the concept of the person in the chair having authority over proceedings. The metaphorical use reflects the literal elevated position of authority figures.