After over 30 years as director of the natural resources department for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head in Aquinnah, Bret Stearns is stepping away from his role to join the Chilmark police department full-time.
The Chilmark select board voted unanimously Tuesday night to appoint Mr. Stearns as a police officer. Select board vice chair Jeffrey Maida said Mr. Stearns would be an “outstanding addition” as a full-time officer, having already worked part-time at the department for almost 30 years.
“He already knows the town, he knows the people,” said Mr. Maida.
It was his “time” to leave the natural resources department, Mr. Stearns told the Gazette.
“The Chilmark police department has a great team of engaged officers that support the town and community in many ways,” he said. “I hope to further the cause of the community policing that has been a trademark of the department. I am there to help and support the town, and excited to do so.”
Mr. Stearns will remain with the natural resources department in Aquinnah as a contractor to support the environmental grants and research efforts he is currently supervising.
Chilmark chief of police Sean Slavin told the Gazette he was pleased to have Mr. Stearns come on board.
“He’s worked with everyone in the department for a long time, so he’s a good fit, and he comes with a ton of experience,” Chief Slavin said.
Part of that experience, Chief Slavin noted, is Mr. Stearn’s environmental work for the Wampanoag Tribe.
“As far as the hunting and fishing regulations and environmental things like cleanup — if there were to be some kind of oil spill or environmental disaster, [Mr. Stearns] is a great asset to us,” said Chief Slavin.
As part of the shift, Mr. Stearns will be giving up his positions as assistant harbor master and shellfish constable in Aquinnah, no later than July 1.
This article appears in February 20, 2026.
As a fellow Department Head who worked with Bret, I can say without reservation that the contributions he made to the stability and contributions the Tribe made to the Island community during his tenure have been inestimable.
Great news. Congratulations, Bret!!
Great news! One of Chilmark’s best.
I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude to Bret Stearns for his 31-plus years of dedicated service to the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), our tribal members, and the Martha’s Vineyard community at large. Bret has consistently gone above and beyond to help our communities thrive, filling many roles here and often shouldering multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
His leadership as Natural Resource Director, Indirect Services Administrator, and Acting Chief of Staff, along with covering other vacant positions in the absence of staff, has left a huge impact on our team. Bret’s genuine thoughtfulness, care of our people, and unwavering commitment to our tribal community make him a valued, trusted member of our lives.
As a new Councilman (4 years ago) and as Acting Chief of Staff over the past two years, his guidance and support were instrumental during a pivotal time. His leadership, generosity, and camaraderie have left a lasting impression, and his friendship is something I most deeply value.
We are grateful that Bret remains with us as a contractor and we wish him all the best in his next chapter with the Chilmark Police Department. We have every confidence that he will excel there just as he has with us.
Thank you again, Bret, for your unwavering dedication, service, and friendship.