Apex (NC) Bids Fond Farewell to Council Veterans and Welcomes New Leadership at Packed Council Meeting
Apex honors outgoing Councilmembers Audra Killingsworth and Brett Gantt with resolutions and legacy recognitions while welcoming a reelected incumbent and two new council members
Apex, NC, Dec. 7, 2025 — Apex celebrated public service, community spirit, and leadership transition at its annual organizational meeting last Wednesday night at town hall. The event drew an impressive lineup of regional dignitaries, including Senators Sydney Batch and Lisa Grafstein; Representatives Julie Von Haefen and Yao Liu; Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings; Wake County Board of Education Chair Tyler Swanson; Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell; Durham County Commissioner Nida Alam; former Congressman Wiley Nickel; former school board members Lindsay Mahaffey and Christine Kushner; Morrisville Town Council Member Steve Routt; Judge Chris Brooks; and leaders from the Apex Chamber of Commerce.
The dignitaries’ and residents' attendance underscored a sense of collaboration as the town honored its outgoing council members and welcomed new voices to the dais.
The emotional heart of the evening centered on formal recognitions for outgoing council members Audra Killingsworth and Brett Gantt, who each completed eight years of service.
Killingsworth: “Fingerprints” Everywhere
A resolution highlighted Killingsworth’s work on:
Affordable housing initiatives and planning
Employee support, personnel policies, and benefits
Apex’s first Pride celebration
Community engagement and diversity efforts
Increased coordination across multiple levels of government
Her service to town staff earned her a significant honor: the Town’s Employee MVP Award will now be known as the “Audra Killingsworth MVP Award.”
Killingsworth reflected on her commitment through the metaphor of “fingerprints,” describing how leaders leave quiet but lasting marks that future residents will notice. She thanked her family and acknowledged the sacrifices they made throughout her two terms.
Gantt: Connectivity, Sustainability, and Public Art
A separate resolution honored Gantt’s leadership on:
The GO Apex mobility program and the expansion of pedestrian connectivity
Downtown revitalization planning
Greenway, sidewalk, and environmental improvements
Advancing public art and placemaking
The Sculpture Walk was officially renamed the “Brett Gantt Sculpture Walk” in recognition of his enduring contribution to arts and culture in Apex.
Gantt’s remarks emphasized gratitude for the people he served alongside, crediting town staff and colleagues for strengthening Apex during a period of rapid growth.
Colleagues Praise Their Heart, Vision, and Integrity
Tributes from fellow council members highlighted Killingsworth’s empathy and advocacy for town employees and underserved residents. At the same time, Gantt was praised for his quiet analysis and for elevating the quality and safety of town planning.
New Councilmembers Sworn In: Commitment, Unity, and Service
Following the retirements of Killingsworth and Gantt, the focus shifted to the three incoming council members:
Edward Gray
Gray, an incumbent council member, spoke about the seriousness of taking an oath, emphasizing his military background and commitment to thoughtful decision-making. He thanked family, supporters, and the community, pledging to serve with integrity and respect.
Shane Reese
Reese’s remarks mixed warmth and appreciation, emphasizing Apex’s sense of community. He credited his wife and family for their support and spoke of working for all residents, including those who did not support him politically, noting, “We’re all neighbors.”
Sue Mu
Councilmember Mu made town history as the first Asian American elected to the Apex Town Council. She delivered heartfelt remarks affirming her commitment to listening, collaboration, and community representation, thanking her family, volunteers, and supporters.
Mahaffey Named Mayor Pro Tem
At the close of the swearing-in portion, Councilmember Terry Mahaffey was unanimously elected as Mayor Pro Tem, praised by colleagues for his transparency, compassion, and thoughtful approach to town leadership.
Apex’s Future Grounded in Collaboration
As the meeting wound down, the message of teamwork remained clear. That sentiment was reinforced by Juliana Corsetti, the youngest person ever appointed to a Town of Apex resident advisory board and a youth voting member of the Culture and Arts Advisory Board, who spoke about the importance of civic responsibility and collaborative leadership.
Corsetti shared a message she said Mayor Gilbert often emphasizes:
“There is nothing we can’t accomplish when we work together.”
Though spoken by her, she made clear that the words reflect the mayor’s guiding approach, and, on this night, they echoed throughout the room.