Albemarle City Council honors former councilmember Chris Whitley.

The Albemarle City Council approved a resolution honoring former District 4 councilmember Chris Whitley and presented him with an honorary plaque, noting his service since 2013 and recent resignation to care for a family member.

The Albemarle City Council formally recognized former District 4 councilmember Chris Whitley at its Tuesday meeting by approving a resolution honoring his years of public service and presenting him with a plaque. Council members and the mayor acknowledged Whitley’s retirement and his decision to resign in August to help care for a family member. Whitley began serving on the Albemarle City Council in 2013. His resignation led the council to seek applicants for the District 4 seat and to appoint a replacement in November. Key details: - The council approved a resolution Tuesday honoring Chris Whitley and presented him with an honorary plaque. - Whitley represented District 4 beginning in 2013 and resigned in August to care for a family member experiencing health issues. - In November the council appointed Martha Hughes to serve the remainder of Whitley’s term, which expires Dec. 7, 2026. - During his council tenure, Whitley chaired the Downtown Catalyst Grant Committee and served on regional planning and council of governments delegations. - 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 been active locally through Albemarle Civitan and Kiwanis clubs, United Way and the Stanly County Board of Education. Summary: The council’s action formally recognized Whitley’s years of local public service and noted his leadership on city and regional committees. Martha Hughes was appointed to complete the District 4 term through Dec. 7, 2026, and the council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m.