Jacques Gilbert is a native of Apex, North Carolina where he currently resides. In April 2019, he retired from the Apex Police Department at the rank of Captain with 29 years of service. In addition to graduating in the 220th FBI National Academy, he has written three books, is a certified personal trainer, and is the founder of TheVine919. In 2015, Jacques was invited to the White House and recognized by President Obama and awarded "Champion of Change" due to his work with youth to build the Rodgers Family Skate Plaza in downtown Apex, and he was also recognized by the city with the Community Service Award. And in 2016, Jacques was awarded Citizen of the Year by the Apex Chamber of Commerce. In 2017, Jacques launched Blue Lights College, a community college in Apex with the mission bridge the gap between community and police by attracting and training a new generation youth and police to approach conflict with compassion through the pillars of Faith, Purpose and Trust. In November 2017 he was awarded Tarheel of the Week by News & Observer. He also received several other community service awards in 2017. In 2018, Jacques was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Roy Cooper. In November 2019 Jacques was elected the 32nd Mayor of Apex, North Carolina and was sworn in on December 3rd 2019.