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Morrisville swears in new mayor and council members, honors outgoing councilors
Summary
At a Dec. 9 swearing-in and organizational meeting, Morrisville sworn in TJ Cawley as mayor and three new council members, honored outgoing members Donna Fender and Steve Rao, appointed Anne Robotti mayor pro tem and approved routine procedural items by unanimous votes.
MORRISVILLE, N.C. — Morrisville held an organizational meeting and swearing-in ceremony on Dec. 9, 2025, at Town Hall where TJ Cawley took the oath as mayor and new council members Vicky Scroggins Johnson, Ashish Patel and Harrison Kesseling were sworn in. The council honored outgoing members Donna Fender and Steve Rao and completed routine appointments and unanimous procedural votes.
The event opened with recognition of regional officials and a presentation of colors, followed by an invocation introduced as being given by Dr. Myron Yandle. The council then reviewed conflicts of interest, adopted the evening’s agenda and approved the consent agenda without dissent.
Donna Fender, who was recognized in a proclamation for six years of service and advocacy on sustainability, spoke to the chamber after the presentation. "Representing the residents of Morrisville and working with town staff and colleagues has been a true honor," Fender said, urging the council to continue prioritizing sustainability and tree protection.
The council also presented a proclamation to Steve Rao marking 14 years on the council. Rao reflected on his family and long service and closed his remarks with an appeal to the community: "Stay gold," he said, urging the town to keep moving forward.
Secretary of State Elaine Marshall administered the oath to TJ Cawley, who repeated the mayoral oath and offered remarks thanking voters, staff and volunteers. Associate Justice Allison Riggs swore in returning Councilmember Vicky Scroggins Johnson. Former U.S. Representative Wiley Nichol administered the oath for Ashish Patel, and NC Representative Maria Saranya swore in Harrison Kesseling.
During the public comment period after a short recess, resident Suresh (Narayan/Ryan) praised the engineering team and the city center expansion outreach, saying the presentation "is one of the best news we have heard." Community member Stephanie Reed urged the council to expand housing options, saying, "We must build a balance. We must lose the fear. Apartments and townhomes and mixed-use design support infrastructure."
On organizational business, Councilmember Vicky Scroggins Johnson nominated Anne Robotti to serve as mayor pro tem through 2027; the nomination was seconded and carried unanimously. The council also adopted the 2026 meeting schedule and approved appointments to several regional committees, all by unanimous votes. Council and staff exchanged holiday thanks before adjourning for the year.
Votes at a glance - Adoption of regular agenda: motion by Councilmember Steve Rao, seconded by Councilmember Donna Fender — approved unanimously, 7-0. - Consent agenda (unseal closed session minutes; MPA program ILA with Wake County): motion by Councilmember Abadi, seconded by Councilmember Fender — approved unanimously, 7-0. - Appointment of Mayor Pro Tem Anne Robotti (through 2027): motion by Councilmember Vicky Scroggins Johnson — approved unanimously, 7-0. - Adoption of 2026 town council meeting schedule (Resolution 2025-428-0): approved unanimously, 7-0. - Appointments to regional committees (resolution 2025-417-0): approved unanimously, 7-0. - Motion to adjourn for the year: approved unanimously, 7-0.
What’s next The council listed upcoming community events on the town calendar and invited the public to a reception after the swearing-in. No policy items requiring further council votes were adopted at this meeting; follow-up or implementation tasks were routine staff duties. The council will reconvene according to the adopted 2026 schedule.
