Wake County Commissioner Tony Gurley has announced his resignation from the board to work for Gov. Pat McCrory as the chief operating officer for the Office of State Budget and Management.
Gurley, who was first elected to the Board of Commissioners in 2002, will work under budget director Art Pope.
“Tony’s experience as a County Commissioner, entrepreneur, pharmacist and attorney proves a well-rounded perspective that’s needed to manage a budget of this size and level of complexity,” McCrory said in a statement. “His expertise will strengthen our efforts to streamline state government and improve operational efficiency.”
Although his seat on the Commission was up for reelection, Gurley had previously stated that he would not run for another term because his district was redrawn.
Along with serving 12 years on Wake’s Board of Commissioners, Gurley has also worked as a pharmacist and attorney.
“There has been a lot of good work done these past 12 years,” said Gurley in a statement released by the county, “but the successful passages of major bond initiatives for our public schools in 2006 and 2013 are noteworthy.”
According to a statement released by Wake County, the Commissioners will fill Gurley’s vacancy in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes.