Town also earned Best-in-Class Employer distinction earlier this year
The Town of Wake Forest has added another major accolade to its growing list of workplace recognitions, being named the “Top Overall Employer” at the Gallagher High Performing Employer Summit on April 29 in Orlando, Florida.
The prestigious honor recognizes organizations that consistently outperform market trends, embrace forward-thinking strategies, and foster a true culture of employee well-being. Human Resources Director Angela McCray and Assistant Human Resources Director Mitzi Franklin accepted the award on behalf of the town.
McCray credited the entire HR team for the achievement.
Advertisement
“This honor is a wonderful testament to the dedication of our entire team,” she said. “Every person in our department is committed to ensuring the Town of Wake Forest remains a top employer of choice, and this award is a rewarding affirmation of that commitment.”
The recognition builds on an earlier distinction from Gallagher, the town’s benefits consultant, which named Wake Forest a 2025 Best-in-Class Employer earlier this year. Out of more than 30,000 non-profit and municipal clients, Wake Forest was singled out for implementing effective strategies and achieving measurable outcomes — including cost reductions and enhanced employee well-being.
Gallagher highlighted Wake Forest’s excellence across several key areas: strategic planning for benefits and compensation, comprehensive well-being initiatives, workforce engagement and retention, retirement planning support, and competitive healthcare cost management.
John Tournet, US CEO of Gallagher’s Benefits & HR Consulting Division, praised the town’s people-first philosophy.
“When employees feel valued, supported and connected, they perform at their best — driving positivity, retention, and overall business prosperity,” Tournet said. “This proactive approach to people strategy is what makes the Town of Wake Forest a true Best-in-Class Employer.”
Advertisement
Gallagher is a global insurance brokerage, risk management, and consulting services firm headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, operating in approximately 130 countries worldwide.
Wake Forest Matters is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom covering Wake Forest, NC. We report on local government, schools, business, and community life — free to read and reader-supported. Fearless. Local. Loud.
