6 minute read
New Faces in Apex
KATY CROSBY
Catherine “Katy” Crosby is the new Apex Town Manager. “Ms. Crosby is a proven, inspiring visionary, and compassionate leader who is well prepared to embrace the challenges and opportunities today and ahead for Apex,” said Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert. Crosby is only the fifth Town Manager to serve in Apex, and the first female and first African American to hold the position in the town’s history.
“I am looking forward to being part of the continued growth of the community,” said Crosby. “I love being outdoors, so I am especially excited about the warm weather and the beautiful parks. Most importantly, I am looking forward to getting to know the community. I appreciate the small town feel and the welcoming feeling I received from Apex residents.”
Prior to joining the Apex staff in July, Crosby was the chief of staff for the City of Toledo, where she was overseeing city operations.
A native of Cleveland, OH, she holds a BS in accounting from Wilberforce University and a Master of Public Administration from Wright State University. She is a credentialed manager by the International City/County Management Association, and a member of the Ohio Economic Development Association. “I am looking forward to joining the Apex team,” said Crosby.
CROSBY “I decided to join after meeting with the senior leadership and NOW LEADING TOWN’S council. I appreciate the level of respect council members have for one another and their shared priorities.” Recruitment for the position placed a focus on finding a con-
TEAM AFTER NATIONAL sensus builder who could partner with staff and the community to carry out the Town’s strategic goals. “We are fortunate to have Katy move us forward together
SEARCH as a community through our established strategic goals,” said Mayor Gilbert. “I’m excited about all we will accomplish together with her leadership as our new Town Manager, and grateful for Developmental Associates for their unwavering commitment to service in identifying a solid leader through their process.” Information for this article courtesy of Town of Apex.
Photo Courtesy Town of Apex
I’m excited about all we will accomplish
JACQUES GILBERT Apex Mayor
JASON ARMSTRONG
Photo Courtesy Town of Apex
Apex Police Department has a new Police Chief. Jason Armstrong, a law enforcement veteran with two decades of experience, was chosen after the town received input from various community groups, town employees, business stakeholders, faith-based grounds, and neighborhood association leadership, among other groups.
“We heard several themes emerge from the community engagement process,” said new Apex Town Manager Katy Crosby. “Our stakeholders desired a candidate who could build trust, provide equitable treatment of all residents to ensure they feel safe in their town, and foster a positive internal culture.”
According to the Town of Apex, applicants from eighteen states were narrowed to thirteen candidates, who went through a structured telephone interview.
The top five candidates were then invited to participate in a thorough assessment center including the facilitation of a mock-discussion with the community to address sensitive issues, role play involving staff accountability, and a written plan focusing on building morale.
“A valuable element in this process is that peer assessors brought forward the top candidates,” said Crosby. “Not only was Mr. Armstrong consistently the top candidate throughout the entire assessment process, but he also has a proven track record of addressing the topics that emerged from the community’s feedback.”
Armstrong grew up in Fayetteville and graduated from North Carolina Central University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. He then served for 17 years in Georgia and most recently held the Chief of Police position in Ferguson, MO, beginning in 2019.
“I never imagined my career journey would land me back in ARMSTRONG NC,” said Armstrong. “My parents still live in the same house I
RETURNS grew up in, in Fayetteville, and my wife’s parents also live in the area. The great things on the horizon for Apex and the benefits of
TO NC AS having our family close by made this the right opportunity at the
NEW APEX right time.,” he said. “I’m very excited and humbled to be joining the Apex Police Department, and Apex community. I see great POLICE CHIEF potential for the town and the Police Department, and I’m eager to be a part of the continued growth and progress in Apex.” Armstrong’s first day on the job was in early August. Information for this article courtesy of Town of Apex.
KATY CROSBY Apex Town Manager
CELEBRATING THE PEAK OF GOOD LIVING
Ahe 40th Annual Apex PeakFest will bring Salem Street alive on Sept. 11.
For more than thirty years, PeakFest has welcomed families to gather downtown for a day of fun, food and fellowship. The event, which is referred to as an arts and crafts festival, has deep roots within the Apex community. What started as a small community day in a school parking lot has grown into an event that draws hundreds of vendors and attracted more than 22,000 people. The largest public event in Apex, PeakFest is
ANNUAL APEX about more than fun. Live music all day, artists of every kind (jewelry, pottery, watercolor and acrylic), entertainment for the kids, lots of food, CELEBRATION and so much more. This year’s Apex Festival Commission includes: OFFERS MUSIC, FOOD n n Chair & Sponsorship: Jeff Hastings, Burke Brothers Hardware Marketing: Olivia Scott, Promotional Partners Inc. & MORE n Food & Art Vendor Coordinator: David Wood, Town of Apex Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Resources Department n Logistics: John Brown, Town of Apex, Director of Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Resources Department n Entertainment: Rick Gardner n Finance: Lashonza Brown, First National Bank n Website and Social Media: Taylor Wray, Town of Apex Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Resources Department n Apex Chamber Liaison: Marlow Campbell, Campbell Insurance Agency- Nationwide n Grants Chair: Lesleigh Hastings, Lumber House Antiques For updated information and more details, visit apexpeakfest.com.
Apex Short Takes
n Apex Friendship High Senior Payton Bloom (receiver) was named to the Friday Nights in Carolina 4AA All-State First
Football Team. n Alliance Group of North Carolina recently filed plans for a 176-home development on Green Level West Road near Lake
Jordan. n Willis Brown Jr., formerly Assistant Principal intern at Enloe Magnet High is now Assistant Principal at Apex High. n In a recent filing with federal bank regulators, Wells Fargo indicated it was closing nine branches – including one in Apex. n Sarah Mitchell was named Apex High Track and Cross
Country “Running MVP” for 2021. The Girls and Boys teams were SWAC champions. n Carol Mohn is now Assistant Principal at Apex Middle, after serving in the same role at Baileywick Elementary. n Teacher Jordan Trull is now Assistant Principal at Apex
Friendship High.
Apex Events & Activities
9/18
Sweet Potato Festival at Apex Farmers Market: Live music, kids’ activities and more; 9 am to 12 pm; Downtown Apex (behind Tobacco Mule). Info: apexfarmersmarket.com.
9/30
Explore S’more, 6-7:30 pm, free; explore nature and connect with Apex neighbors; includes nature education sessions, roasting s’mores and more; Apex Nature Park, 2600 Evans Road, Apex. Info: 919-249-3402.
10/9
Oktoberfest at Apex Farmers Market: Live music, kids’ activities and more; 9 am to 12 pm; Downtown Apex (behind Tobacco Mule). Info: apexfarmersmarket.com.
KEENE JOINS CELITO
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