The Chief Islander is a Tristanian elected separately from the Island Council, and serves for three years.

The current Chief Islander is James Glass

James was elected for a record fifth term in March 2022.
and so extends his record of service in the role.

James Glass M.Sc is Tristan da Cunha's Director of Fisheries and makes regular trips overseas to oversee the retention of Tristan's valuable Marine Stewardship Council award for its sustainable Tristan Lobster Fishery as well as representing the island government at meetings in the UK.

Elected Chief Islanders:

Harold Green 1970-1973, 1979-1982 & 1985-1988
Albert Glass 1973-1979 & 1982-1985
Anne Green 1988-1991 & 2003-2007
Lewis Glass 1991-1994
James Glass 1994-1997, 1997-2000, 2000-2003,
2019-2022, 2022-2025
Conrad Glass 2007-2010
Ian Lavarello 2010-2013, 2013-2016 & 2016-2019
 
The photo left shows James at the 2017 Worskhop
at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
to develop Tristan's future Marine Conservation Policy under the UK's Blue Belt Programme.