05/08/2026
Town of Wake Forest recognized as Top Overall Employer & Best-in-Class Employer
WAKE FOREST, NC - The Town of Wake Forest was named the “Top Overall Employer” at the Gallagher High Performing Employer Summit on April 29 in Orlando, FL. The honor recognizes organizations “consistently outperforming market trends, embracing forward-thinking strategies, and fostering a true culture of employee well-being.”
On hand to accept the award were Human Resources Director Angela McCray and Assistant Human Resources Director Mitzi Franklin (photo attached).
McCray said earning the award required a total team effort.
“This honor is a wonderful testament to the dedication of our entire team,” she said. “Every person in our (Human Resources) 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 comes a few months after Gallagher named Wake Forest a 2025 Best-in-Class Employer. Gallagher, the Town’s benefits consultant, presents the award annually to a client that has demonstrated and measured excellence in organizational culture, strategy results, innovation, pharmacy, and a holistic approach to organizational wellbeing.
One of just over 30,000 Gallagher non-profit and municipal clients, Wake Forest earned the honor “for implementing effective strategies and achieving measurable outcomes, such as cost reductions and enhanced employee wellbeing. This prestigious honor underscores Wake Forest’s outstanding dedication to fostering a workplace where employees thrive through innovative strategies that prioritize health, financial confidence, and career growth - all while maintaining a sustainable cost structure.”
According to Gallagher, Wake Forest stood out in several key areas, including:
• Strategic planning for benefits and compensation
• Comprehensive wellbeing initiatives
• Workforce engagement and retention
• Retirement planning support
• Competitive healthcare cost management
“When employees feel valued, supported and connected, they perform at their best - driving positivity, retention, and overall business prosperity,” said John Tournet, US CEO of Gallagher's Benefits & HR Consulting Division. “This proactive approach to people strategy is what makes the Town of Wake Forest a true Best-in-Class Employer.”
A global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, Gallagher is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher provides these services in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.
For more information, email Human Resources Director Angela McCray at [email protected].
