HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. -- Tom Stevens says there are a few things he'll miss as mayor.

"I will think I'll just miss when people walk down the street say "Hey Mr. Mayor!" he told Spectrum News.

Stevens, 65, will leave office Monday night after serving for 14 years.

The Virginia-native first moved to North Carolina in 1972 to attend UNC-Chapel Hill.

In 2005, with no political experience, he ran and became mayor. He didn't seek re-election after serving seven terms in 2019.

"But feel like it's also time to sit down," he said.

Stevens believes during his tenure, he kept the town stable and growing. He says he'll now focus on his painting and running his art gallery in downtown.

Former town commissioner Jenn Weaver was elected mayor. She'll be sworn in Monday night.