CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. — Councilwoman Kathleen Berault will resign from the Chesapeake Beach Town Council effective July 9, 2025, the Mayor and Town Council announced July 1, 2025. Berault cited her upcoming move to Delaware to join her spouse, pending the sale of their home, as the reason for her departure, which she shared during the May 15, 2025, Town Meeting.
Berault has served on the Town Council while also holding roles as Chair of the Planning and Zoning Board, a member of the Tree Board and the Board of Port Wardens, and Town Council Liaison to the Green Team. Her contributions included supporting initiatives to preserve the town’s natural environment and community character.
“It has been my great honor and pleasure to serve as a member of the Board of Port Wardens, the Tree Board, the Green Team, and most recently, the Town Council. Although it is bittersweet to leave Chesapeake Beach, I will always cherish the Town and its residents,” said Councilwoman Kathleen Berault.
Before her time in Chesapeake Beach, Berault had a 20-year career with the Prince George’s County Police Department, retiring as a Major. Her final role was overseeing the Office of Professional Responsibility, managing the Internal Affairs Division, Departmental Shootings, and Use of Force Compliance. She began as a cadet with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. After retiring from law enforcement, Berault worked for over a decade with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), overseeing IRS operations.
“Thank you for your service, dedication, and words of wisdom that have made our community stronger. Your tireless efforts to preserve the natural beauty and character of the Chesapeake Bay will be felt for years to come,” said Mayor Bruce A. Wahl.
The Town Council will appoint a replacement to complete Berault’s term, as outlined in the Town Charter. The appointment process details will be available on the Town’s website https://www.chesapeakebeachmd.gov/ in the coming week.
Berault’s tenure on the council involved collaboration with various town boards to address local governance and environmental priorities. As Chair of the Planning and Zoning Board, she helped guide land use decisions to balance development with the town’s commitment to maintaining its coastal heritage. Her role on the Tree Board supported efforts to protect local greenery, while her work with the Green Team focused on sustainability initiatives. As a member of the Board of Port Wardens, she contributed to overseeing waterfront regulations, ensuring compliance with policies that protect the Chesapeake Bay’s ecosystem.
Her law enforcement background informed her approach to public service, emphasizing accountability and community engagement. During her time with the Prince George’s County Police Department, Berault managed sensitive investigations, including internal affairs and use-of-force cases, which required impartiality and adherence to protocol. Her federal role at TIGTA involved auditing and investigating IRS operations, further honing her skills in oversight and compliance.
The Town Charter mandates that vacancies on the council be filled through an appointment process, which typically involves soliciting applications from residents and reviewing candidates in public sessions. The council’s selection will aim to ensure continuity in addressing ongoing town priorities, such as environmental conservation and infrastructure planning. Interested residents can monitor the town’s website for updates on how to apply or participate in the process.
Berault’s departure marks the end of a tenure focused on these issues, and her move to Delaware follows a personal decision to relocate closer to family. The Mayor and Council expressed appreciation for her service and extended best wishes to the Berault-Chmielewski family, noting their hope for future visits to the town.
