Rebekah Thomson Announced as Executive Director
VINEYARD HAVEN, MA — May 22, 2026 — The Martha’s Vineyard Vision Fellowship today announced the appointment of Rebekah Thomson as its next Executive Director, effective June 22, 2026. Thomson, a dedicated community leader who until this month served as the president of the Chilmark Preschool Board of Directors, will succeed retiring Executive Director Melissa Hackney.
Thomson brings a wealth of local knowledge, leadership experience, and a deep-rooted commitment to the Island community. Her tenure at the Chilmark Preschool has been marked by collaborative leadership, strategic growth, and advocacy for Island families—qualities that align perfectly with the Vision Fellowship’s mission to support individuals and projects that sustain the social, environmental, and cultural fabric of Martha’s Vineyard. In addition, as a founding director for the Field Fund and a longtime early parenting and infancy coach for MVCS, Thomson has contributed to Island initiatives intersecting issues and towns. "We are thrilled to welcome Rebekah Thomson as our next Executive Director," said Karen Davis, Chair of the Vineyard Vision Fellowship Board of Directors. "Rebekah’s passion for the Island, combined with her proven leadership and collaborative spirit, makes her the ideal person to guide the Fellowship into its next chapter. She understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing our community and is deeply invested in nurturing the local talent that addresses them."
The appointment concludes a comprehensive and highly competitive search process that drew an exceptional candidate pool from across the Island and beyond. The caliber of the applicants underscored the deep resonance of the Fellowship's mission and its vital role on Martha's Vineyard.
The Search Committee expressed profound gratitude to the many individuals who contributed to the process. "We are incredibly grateful for the invaluable input and support from our current and alumni Fellows, as well as the broader Island community whose embrace of the Fellowship continues to sustain our work," the Committee noted in a statement. "The depth and quality of the candidate pool made our decision difficult, but it also reaffirmed how much passion and talent exists within our community."
Thomson will succeed Melissa Hackney, who is retiring after a highly successful and dedicated tenure. Under Hackney’s leadership, the Vision Fellowship expanded its reach, deepened its impact, and fostered a vibrant network of almost two hundred Fellows working across various sectors, from conservation and education to healthcare and the arts.
"The Search Committee and the entire Vision Fellowship family extend our deepest gratitude to Melissa Hackney for her years of tireless dedication," added Ms. Davis. "Melissa’s stewardship has left an indelible mark on the organization and the Island. She leaves behind a legacy of meaningful impact, and we wish her the absolute best in her retirement."
Reflecting on her appointment, Thomson stated, "I am deeply honored to step into the role of Executive Director. The Martha’s Vineyard Vision Fellowship is an extraordinary institution that empowers individuals to create lasting, positive change on the Island we all love. I look forward to working closely with the Fellows, the advisory committee, and our community partners to build upon Melissa’s incredible legacy and continue investing in the future of Martha’s Vineyard."