Gerald R. “Ronnie” Michael
Mayor
Gerald R. “Ronnie” Michael won the title of District 3 City Council Member in 2011, probably because no one else wanted the job. Then in 2013, he leveled up to Mayor of Albemarle, clearly on a roll.
Before diving into politics, Ronnie spent nearly 30 years as a cop in Albemarle, working his way up to Chief of Police, before deciding in 2011 that it was time for a career change—or maybe just to put his feet up for a while.
A local through and through, Ronnie graduated from North Stanly High School, picked up an Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Stanly Community College, and took some classes at Pfeiffer College and the North Carolina Justice Academy, because, you know, more badges never hurt.
Ronnie is married to the ever-patient Sarah Cranford, and they’ve got two daughters, three grandkids, and a pew with their name on it at First Presbyterian Church. Ronnie’s even been a Deacon and Elder there, which he says keeps him grounded. His motto? “Family, Church, and Community come first. And hey, it sounds good in campaign speeches too.”
After all these years, Ronnie’s racked up more board and committee memberships than anyone could keep track of, giving him the “insider scoop” on what Albemarle really needs. He likes to remind everyone, “I’m always here to listen, once I’ve gathered enough info to make it look like I know what I’m doing. And hey, the City Council’s on the same page! Feel free to share your thoughts with us, as long as they don’t involve potholes or budget cuts.”