Sheriff Brian Michael Chism began his law enforcement career in 2005 with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. On May 1, 2023, he was appointed by the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners to serve as Sheriff of Brunswick County following the retirement of John W. Ingram V.

Throughout his eighteen-year career, Sheriff Chism has served in numerous divisions within the Sheriff’s Office, beginning in the Patrol Unit. He later worked in specialized assignments, including the K-9 Unit and a special operations unit focused on street-level drug interdiction. As his career progressed, he advanced through the supervisory ranks and ultimately joined the command staff. In those leadership roles, he oversaw School Resource Officers, Civil Process and Warrants, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics, Animal Protective Services, and 911 Communications.

In August 2022, Sheriff Chism was promoted to Chief Deputy, the highest appointed rank within the Sheriff’s Office. In that capacity, he was responsible for the overall operations of the agency, including administration of the Sheriff’s Office budget. Over the course of his career, he has worked in or supervised every division of the Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Chism has earned numerous awards, certifications, and professional distinctions, including the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission’s Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Law Enforcement Certificates. He also completed the Leadership Trilogy—Supervisor Leadership, Command Institute, and Executive Leadership—through the Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. His internal commendations include Supervisor of the Year, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Life Saving Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Achievement Medal.

Sheriff Chism is an active member of both the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association and the National Sheriffs’ Association. In June 2023, he was appointed to serve on the Activities Committee and Sergeant-at-Arms Committee of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association. In 2025, he was additionally appointed to the Legislative Committee and selected to chair the Activities Committee. He became a member of the National Sheriffs’ Association in October 2023. In May 2026, Sheriff Chism was appointed to serve a two-year term on the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division Advisory Process Southern Working Group.

A native of Brunswick County, Sheriff Chism is a graduate of South Brunswick High School and the prestigious FBI National Academy, Session 274. Sheriff Chism comes from a close-knit family and is the son of a U.S. Navy veteran. He has three brothers and one sister. His parents continue to reside in the Oak Island area of Brunswick County. His youngest brother serves with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, while his two other brothers have retired from the United States Air Force. His sister works with two local Brunswick County businesses that have long supported the community and the Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Chism and his wife, Serena, have been married since 2005 and have been together since 1999. They reside in the Bolivia area of Brunswick County with their rescued dog, Amara.

Sheriff Chism is assisted by an Executive Assistant.

Contact Sheriff Chism