Sheriff James A. Gulley, Jr., MPA, is a native Vermonter who grew up in Bennington, and is a graduate of Mount Anthony Union High School, Castleton State College, and Norwich University. In 2003, Sheriff Gulley began his law enforcement career as a patrolman for the Town of Bennington. For approximately fourteen years, he served the Town of Bennington with gratitude in his heart; being a public servant was a dream come true. In 2007, Sheriff Gulley was appointed to serve as the Constable for the Town of Bennington, where he enforced certain civil ordinances as required by the Selectboard. In 2010, he was elected to serve two terms as the High Bailiff for Bennington County and served as a safeguard for the Sheriff of Bennington County, completing duties that the Sheriff was unable to accomplish.

Throughout his twenty-three years of public service, Sheriff Gulley has sought community insights and feedback to inform his work. As a Detective for the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force and Manchester Police Department, he engaged with citizens throughout Bennington County, listening to their concerns and building meaningful connections. This approach reflects his belief that community input is essential to public safety and that establishing genuine partnerships makes a positive difference in people's lives.

As Sheriff, this approach has shaped his commitment to community-based policing as well as community-based programs (LINK phrase to Community Based Programs PAGE). Sheriff Gulley believes that building trust between law enforcement and community members is essential to effective public safety. He works to strengthen these connections by engaging residents as active partners in problem-solving efforts, recognizing that genuine partnerships between the department and the community improve outcomes for everyone.