Meet the City Council
The City Council acts as the legislative body in establishing policy and law for the City of Graham. The Mayor and Council members are chosen through city-wide nonpartisan elections. The Mayor, elected to a two-year term, serves as the presiding officer at City Council meetings. The four Council members are elected to staggered four-year terms. The board appoints a professional city manager, who provides policy advice, directs the daily operations of city government, handles personnel functions, and is responsible for preparing the budget.
Chelsea Dickey
Mayor
Chelsea Dickey is dedicated to building a community that is connected, collaborative, and welcoming to all. A proud Graham resident, Chelsea has long been passionate about strengthening relationships between residents, local businesses, and regional partners to ensure Graham continues to grow with intention and heart. Chelsea holds a degree in Economic Development and brings over 10 years of experience in community development and downtown revitalization. She owns Motley Local, a community development firm that works with municipalities and government agencies across North Carolina, and co-owns a construction company, Struction Building, with her father. Both businesses are based in Graham and reflect her commitment to supporting local growth and investment. As Mayor, Chelsea remains committed to supporting Graham’s vibrant neighborhoods, investing in public safety and infrastructure, preserving the city’s historic character, and fostering opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all who call Graham home. Chelsea lives in Graham with her husband, Justin, and their son, Mateo, along with the family’s two dogs. She can often be found enjoying local parks, supporting small businesses, or attending community events across the city.
Ricky Hall
Mayor Pro Tem
Ricky has spent 25 years in Local Government as a GIS specialist and Tax Mapping Specialist. He has 20 years of experience serving on various local government boards in North Carolina and in Virginia. He moved to Graham in 2004 with his wife Judy. He was elected to the city council in 2019 and became Mayor Pro Tem in 2021. He is retired and enjoys the North Carolina coastline, doing small engine repair and attending bluegrass music festivals.
Bobby Chin
Council Member
Bobby Chin, a graduate of Louisiana State University and Florida Institute of Technology, was commissioned as a 2LT in 1972 and spent 30 years in the US Army (Active/Reserve) and retired as a Colonel in 2002. He spent 22 years working for Battelle Memorial Institute (a private nonprofit science and technology company) headquartered in Columbus, OH. He has experience as a transportation officer, a logistician, a cost-benefit analyst, an operations research analyst, and a senior research scientist. He moved to Graham in 2019 with his wife Karen. He is now actively involved with ALCOVETS. He looks forward to his second-term in serving the citizens of Graham.
Bonnie Whitaker
Council Member
Bonnie Whitaker was born and raised in Raleigh, N.C. and attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington on a volleyball scholarship. She joined the U.S Air Force in 1985 where she served 25 years working Avionics Electronics Specialist and later as an Aircraft Production Superintendent. She has experience in production, planning, scheduling, contracting and quality assurance. After her retirement from the military in 2010, she continued to serve as a member of the Defense Contract Management Agency doing quality assurance inspections on Government contracts. She moved to Graham in Dec 2014 because of its small-town charm and welcoming feel. She considers it a huge privilege to be allowed to serve the people of Graham.
Jim Young
Council Member
Councilman Jim Young serves the City of Graham with a commitment to principled leadership, civic responsibility, and community-centered governance. A U.S. Army Infantry veteran, he has carried lessons of service, discipline, and teamwork into both his professional and public life. As a small-business owner, he understands the importance of a strong local economy and the role small businesses play in building a vibrant community. Councilman Young’s focus on responsible development, public safety, and government transparency reflects his belief that municipal government should be accessible, accountable, and reflective of the citizens it represents. He works to ensure that policy decisions safeguard Graham’s heritage while preparing the city for thoughtful, sustainable growth. His leadership style emphasizes open communication, respect for citizen input, and a balanced, long-term vision for Graham’s future. Councilman Young is dedicated to fostering a safe, welcoming environment where families and businesses can thrive. He and his wife, Karry, have two adult daughters and remain deeply connected to the Graham community.