Colonel Whitley was born in Massapequa, NY. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in May 1997 after graduating from Trenton State College with a B.S. in Criminal Justice.
Following The Basic School and the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, he was assigned to 2d Battalion, 11th Marines at Camp Pendleton, California. During this tour, Lieutenant Whitley served as the Fire Direction Officer and the Liaison Officer for Kilo Battery, 3/12 and as the Executive Officer for Fox Battery, 2/11 completing two deployments to Okinawa, Japan with the 31st MEU.
Captain Whitley then reported to MCRD San Diego where he served as a Series Commander, Company Commander, and Assistant Depot Inspector. Captain Whitley then attended the Field Artillery Captain’s Career Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and was subsequently reassigned to 1st Battalion, 11th Marines at Camp Pendleton, California.
While at 1st Battalion, 11th Marines, he served as the Assistant Operations Officer and Fire Support Coordinator for 1st Marine Regiment. He was deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 04-06.2 as the Fire Support Coordinator for Task Force 2/2. Upon return to CONUS, he commanded Battery C and also served as the Operations Officer, 1st Battalion, 11th Marines. Major Whitley deployed as the Operations Officer in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 06-08.2. He was the Commanding Officer of Recruiting Station Albany, NY from June 2008 to June 2011. He assumed the duties of the Executive Officer for 2d Battalion, 11th Marines in July 2011 and deployed in that capacity in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM 11.2. From June 2012 to April 2014, he served as the Operations Officer, Executive Officer, and Logistics Officer, 11th Marine Regiment.
Colonel Whitley earned a M. A. in Human Behavior from National University in 2004.
His personal decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.