the office of town mayor was established in 1835, prior to which chippenham was governed by a bailiff supported by burgesses. currently elected annually by the town council, the mayor is generally appointed to office in may each year, at the "mayor making" ceremony. as part of their duties as the first citizen of a town, the mayor visits organisations, charities and groups representing all parts of the local community, acting as a figurehead to promote goodwill, cultural exchange, trade and commerce. the mayor also nominates a specific charity which they will support throughout their year of office. other tasks include presiding over town council meetings and acting as president of various local organisations, such as the twinning association and the sea cadets. in 2013, councillor sylvia gibson became the 30th mayor of chippenham.