The Edgartown select board voted unanimously Monday to appoint Matthew Rossi as the town’s new building inspector.

Mr. Rossi, the former Oak Bluffs building inspector, was the top choice after the board interviewed four finalists and will replace Reade Kontje Milne, who took a job in Chilmark.

“We’re excited to have you,” said Julia Tarka, a member of the select board. 

Mr. Rossi and his family have deep roots on the Vineyard and a history of public service in Edgartown. Mr. Rossi’s father David Rossi, who died last November, served as the Edgartown police chief until he retired in 2017 and encouraged his family to find ways to actively participate in the community. 

“A family friend I know stopped me this week to congratulate me and in an earnest tone said, ‘I want you to know your father would be very proud of you,’” Mr. Rossi said. “It was an emotional moment for me that helped solidify in my mind that I made the right decision.”

Mr. Rossi’s experience includes years of working with the town of Oak Bluffs, where he was the local inspector and the alternate building inspector before becoming the town’s building commissioner and zoning official. 

“I hope to create an environment where people feel comfortable and at ease approaching the building department,” said Mr. Rossi. “Certain people, especially homeowners, can be intimidated when dealing with the building department as they’re unfamiliar with building code, zoning and the process.”

In 2009, Mr. Rossi graduated from Stonehill College where he earned a degree in political science.

“After moving back to the Island I became a carpenter,” said Mr. Rossi. “The careers were very dissimilar. I went from wearing ties and dress shoes to Carhartts and work boots.”

Mr. Rossi oversaw several large projects during his tenure with Oak Bluffs, including the YMCA expansion, upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility and construction of the Tackenash Knoll affordable housing development.

“I hope to continue the legacy of fostering the community I was raised in,” said Mr. Rossi.