The board number can still stay the same even. The officer without being a director can do a lot as well. Like example: the CEO is not a director at all in other organizations. While the CFC can not afford that, the position is also close to the full time job.
Anyway.
To extend my concerns with the proposal:
The increase of the number of directors requires a separate resolution. Voting members can do that "from time to time". Thus, that increased number will stay for awhile until the resolution to change the number again will pass.
We're dealing with this CFC By-Law:
Number of Directors
The board shall consist of the number of directors specified in the articles. If the articles provide for a minimum and maximum number of directors, the board shall be comprised of the fixed number of directors as determined from time to time by the members by ordinary resolution or, if the ordinary resolution empowers the directors to determine the number, by resolution of the board.
I don't recall that there was ever a resolution to "empowers the directors to determine the number".
In case, the number is increased, the election shall be called. Usual time for that is the annual meeting.
When the proposal comes from the chair to increase the number to even, I see it as not ethical as the proposal means an additional tie-breaking vote for the chair in board of director meetings.