New Kannapolis City Manager Appointed
(Current City Manager to serve in Consulting Role During Transition)
Wilmer Melton has been appointed as the next Kannapolis City Manager by the City Council this morning. Melton has been employed with the City of Kannapolis for 25 years serving as the Director of Public Works and Assistant City Manager for the past six years.
A native of Kannapolis, Melton graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management and completed the Municipal Administration Certification from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Melton has served on the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s National Drinking Water Advisory Council as a Special Government Employee which advises the Administrator on matters and policies related to drinking water quality and public health protection. He was also a member of the National Rural Water Association representing the State of North Carolina.
He has served in numerous professional and civic organizations including Immediate Past President and former National Director of the North Carolina Rural Water Association, a Gubernatorial appointee to the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Board of Directors, Past Vice-President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cabarrus County, Past President of Cabarrus County Habitat for Humanity, Cabarrus County Meals-on-Wheels, Past President of the Kannapolis Rotary Club and a former Paul Harris Fellow.
Prior to his service with City, Melton had extensive experience in the construction and land development industry.
Melton will officially assume the new role of City Manager on January 12, 2026 at an annual salary of $270,000.
Melton succeeds Mike Legg, who has served the City with distinction for 31 years with 21 of those years as City Manager. In October, Legg announced his intention to retire on April 30, 2026. To ensure a smooth and seamless transition, Legg will remain with the City in a consulting capacity for the next few months providing continuity, institutional knowledge, and strategic support as Melton steps into the position.
Mayor Doug Wilson praised both Melton and Legg, noting the strength of the transition plan.
“Wilmer Melton brings a proven record of results-oriented service to our City,” Mayor Wilson said. “His commitment to citizen-centered service and operational excellence makes him the right choice to guide our City into its next chapter. We are equally grateful to Mike Legg for his years of dedicated service and for his willingness to support this transition. This is a moment of both stability and momentum for our community.”
Melton expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to continue his service to the community. “I am honored to be selected as City Manager and look forward to working closely with the Mayor and City Council, our dedicated staff, and our residents,” Melton said. “I am committed to building on the strong foundation already in place.”
Legg shared his support for the transition “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve this City, and I am very proud to have worked among the most talented group of employees that one could ever ask for,” Legg said. “I am pleased to assist Wilmer and the organization during this period of transition.”