The Town of Apex is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Johansen as its new Chief of Police, following an extensive and inclusive recruitment process. Chief Johansen will officially begin his role on February 3, 2025.
Reflecting Apex’s commitment to a transparent and collaborative process, the town sought input from multiple stakeholders, including members of the police department, community leaders, and residents.
An executive recruiting firm, SGR, facilitated the hiring process, which included a comprehensive evaluation of both internal and external candidates. Initial interviews incorporating video and written assessments were held for 14 semifinalists. From there, three finalists participated in a rigorous final round, which included panel interviews, meetings with the police department, and a public open house.
“We’re excited to welcome Chief Johansen to our community,” said Apex Town Manager Randy Vosburg. “Throughout the recruitment process, he stood out as a leader whose vision, experience, and approach to law enforcement is aligned with the current needs of the Apex Police Department and our community.”
Johansen has been a member of the San Bruno, California Police Department since 2004 and was appointed Chief in 2020. During his tenure in San Bruno, he developed extensive experience in community policing and strategic planning. Among his notable accomplishments, Johansen designed and implemented an industry-leading organizational wellness program and successfully addressed recruitment and retention challenges amid a national hiring shortage.
"I am deeply honored and humbled by this incredible opportunity to serve the Apex community and the brave men and women of the Apex Police Department,” noted Johansen. “I promise to work tirelessly to earn the trust and respect of both, one interaction at a time. I'm confident that my commitment to servant leadership will add to an already exceptional executive team, and I'm eager to play an active role in the very bright future of this amazing town."
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Contact: Victorian Simmons, Public Information Officer, 919.270.1734, pio@apexnc.org