BY MILES LAYTON
Staff Writer
Michael Ervin has resigned as executive director of the Albemarle Commission.
During the Nov. 21 Albemarle Commission Board of Delegates meeting, Ervin tendered his resignation, according an email send by Board Chairman Jordan Davis to various stakeholders.
“Michael Ervin informed the board tonight that he was resigning effective 12/31/2024. The board has accepted that resignation,” said Jordan, a Tyrrell County Commissioner.
“The board thanks Mr. Ervin for his several years of service to the Albemarle Commission and those we serve.”
Jordan said to facilitate the transition, Dave Whitmer was appointed as the Acting Director and was to assume all duties of the Executive Director effective immediately. Whitmer is listed as executive director on the Commission’s website.
“Please join us in thanking Dave Whitmer for his willingness to step up and assist at this time,” he said.
Prior to being appointed as Acting Director, Whitmer served as director of the Northeastern Workforce Development Board since 2009. Whitmer earned his bachelor of science degree and master’s degree from East Carolina University.
Rachel Clipston, NCWorks NextGen program manager, has been appointed acting director of the Northeastern Workforce Development Board, which is overseen by the Albemarle Commission.
The Commission has been addressing regional needs since its doors opened in 1970. The Council of Governments has been instrumental in the development and/or enhancement of regional infrastructure; industrial recruitment business development, labor force development, travel and tourism, community reinvestment/rehabilitation, and health and human services, according to the Commission’s website.
Ervin, 73, was hired in 2020 as the Commission’s executive director after serving four and a half years as head of the history-focused nonprofit Edenton Historical Commission.
UPDATE: This article was updated at 8:27 a.m. Dec. 6, 2024 to include the name of the acting director of the Northeastern Workforce Development Board.