Tue, Sep 19th, 2023 - 6:01pm
December 16, 2019 - 5:00pm | By Chris Larson
An icon and familiar face in the metro community has died.
Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber President and CEO Craig Whitney died Saturday at Sanford Health-Broadway in Fargo. He was 59 years old.
In a statement to WZFG News, Moorhead Mayor Johnathan Judd says, “Although I had known Craig for only a short time, he had a substantial impact on my professional life after I became mayor. Craig and I had many good conversations regarding the Chamber's role in being a strong advocate for businesses in Moorhead as well as the Red River Valley. Craig was more than willing to share his insights on how to be a visionary leader and also his wealth of professional experiences on how to build and nurture strong partnerships between business and community.”
On Monday morning, appearing on WZFG Radio’s What’s On Your Mind radio show, West Fargo Mayor and City Commission President Bernie Dardis reflected on Whitney’s life and legacy.
“Craig’s legacy is going to come from many different angles—his ability to work with people, his ability to work and get the most out of the staff that works at the Chamber,” Dardis said. “More importantly than that, he always looked for what the community needed. He was always looking for something new and exciting that was more inclusive of more and more people.”
Fargo Mayor, Dr. Tim Mahoney, issued the following statement on the passing of Whitney: “The entire community of Fargo mourns the loss of Craig Whitney, while offering our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. Craig was a visionary leader who helped unite and advocate for the entire metro area over the past decade. A tireless communicator, his tenure will be marked by success, growth and community building. I will greatly miss his steady leadership and calm demeanor.”
Services for Whitney will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. at the Avalon Events Center, 2525 9th Avenue South, in Fargo. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Hjemkomst Center, 202 1st Avenue North, in Moorhead.
