Albemarle City Council honors former councilmember

Published 6:09 pm Tuesday, January 27, 2026

ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle City Council has formally recognized the service of former councilmember Chris Whitley, approving a resolution Tuesday night honoring his years of public service to the city.

Albemarle’s mayor and councilmembers acknowledged Whitley’s retirement during the council’s regular meeting, thanking him for his leadership and contributions during nearly a decade representing District 4.

Whitley, who began serving on Albemarle City Council in 2013, submitted his resignation in August to help care for a family member experiencing health issues. His departure prompted the council to open an application process for District 4 residents interested in filling the vacant seat.

In November, the council appointed Martha Hughes to serve the remainder of Whitley’s term, which expires Dec. 7, 2026. Hughes previously served on the council as an at-large member from December 2013 to November 2022.

Following the adoption of the resolution Tuesday, the council presented Whitley with an honorary plaque in recognition of his service.

“Serving on the Albemarle City Council has been one of the great honors of my life,” Whitley said. “Over nearly three terms, I’ve had the privilege of working with dedicated colleagues and staff who genuinely care about the city and its people. The progress we made together belongs to all of you.”

Whitley reflected on the city’s growth during his tenure, noting visible changes across Albemarle.

“I was riding around the city this morning in downtown and looking at some of the things that are new here from 10 or 12 years ago. You should do that sometime. It’s really eye-opening what’s happened.”

During his time with the city council, Whitley served as chairman of the Downtown Catalyst Grant Committee, as a representative to the Rocky River Rural Planning Organization and as an alternate delegate to the Centralina Regional Council of Governments.

A lifelong Stanly County resident and West Stanly High School graduate, Whitley served 32 years in the North Carolina National Guard and spent 38 years in the banking industry, retiring from Wells Fargo in 2016.

He has also remained active in the community through leadership roles with Albemarle Civitan and Kiwanis clubs, United Way and the Stanly County Board of Education.

“Chris, your entire career has basically been in public service,” Councilmember Dexter Townsend said. “From your military career, to your years on the Stanly County school board, in the financial industry, and then your years here at the city of Albemarle, I want to personally thank you for making Stanly County and the city of Albemarle a much better place.”

The Albemarle City Council will hold its next regular meeting Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.