John Linker | Mayor Pro-Tem

John Linker serves as Mayor Pro Tem for the Town of Granite Quarry, bringing decades of leadership experience, community service, and deep local roots to his role. A longtime resident of Granite Quarry for more than 48 years, Linker’s connection to the area runs generations deep. His family traces its heritage to Michael Braun of the historic Old Stone House, and his mother was born and raised in Granite Quarry near where he lives today.

Linker is a graduate of East Rowan High School and Catawba College. Over the course of his professional career, he held sales management positions with nationally recognized companies including the Nestlé Corporation, Zatarain’s Rice Co., and McCormick & Company, where he later retired as a Sales Manager. Throughout his career, he successfully led teams that consistently met or exceeded performance goals, shaping his leadership style and commitment to accountability and results.

His dedication to public service spans several decades. Linker first served in elected office from 1985 to 1996, he returned to serve again in the early 2000’s, and began his current consecutive terms in 2017. He has served Granite Quarry as Mayor, Alderman, Council Member, and Mayor Pro Tem. In addition to his role as Mayor Pro Tem, he has contributed extensively to local and regional boards, including serving as Past Chairman of the Rowan County Planning Board and Past Chairman of the Granite Quarry Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Linker has also been deeply involved in community and civic organizations. He is a Past President of the Milford Hills Lions Club, a member of Ursinus United Church of Christ, and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. His lifelong commitment to service is rooted in family tradition; his father served as a longtime Volunteer Chief of Rockwell Fire Department, his mother retired as Rockwell City Clerk, his brother Tim was past Chief of Rockwell Fire Department, and his brother David was a longtime board member at Locke Fire Department.

Motivated by that legacy, Linker has dedicated his own life to public service and community involvement. As an elected official, he prioritizes the thoughtful and orderly management of growth in Granite Quarry in a way that benefits all town residents, with a focus on preserving the town’s small-town character, maintaining a high quality of life.

Linker was married to his late wife, Linda, for 57 years. Together, they raised a daughter, Bridgen, and were proud grandparents to Tristan and Grayson, who live in Concord. In his free time, Linker enjoys working in his yard, relaxing by the pool, and traveling.

He considers it both a privilege and an honor to serve the residents of Granite Quarry and remains committed to helping guide the town toward a strong and positive future.

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