Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

A native of Greensboro, David Young has built a successful career in business, banking and public service.  As a small business owner, Young understands how important an accountable government and sound fiscal policy are to the success of North Carolina’s families and businesses.  His years as an entrepreneur and elected official have prepared him to be North Carolina’s banker.

Public service has always been important to Young.  In 1992, Young was elected to the Buncombe County Board of County Commissioners, where he became a leader on the issues of finance and economic development. During his time on the board, Buncombe County has strengthened their financial position and increased their bond rating.  This allowed the county to raise teacher pay and invest in school construction, turning their education facilities around from one of the ten worst in the nation to the best funded county system in North Carolina. 

Young helped establish the Buncombe County Economic Development Commission, later serving as Chairman, which has resulted in the creation of over 6,000 jobs and $715 million in new investments.  Young’s leadership has been recognized statewide by his peers and, in August 2007, he was sworn in as President of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Young started his career in banking with BB&T, providing financial guidance to businesses and families throughout eastern North Carolina.  Young later moved his family to Asheville to continue his business career.  Through hard work and perseverance, he and his wife have built Fugazy Travel into one of the premier small businesses in western North Carolina.

Young and his wife, Leigh, have been married for 23 years and reside in Asheville.  They are the proud parents of three daughters and are active members of the Central Methodist Church.

As businessman for over 20 years, I know how to work hard, manage people and money, set goals and priorities, and provide quality service to satisfied customers.  As a county commissioner for over fifteen years, I have taken a leadership role in writing and managing a budget for North Carolina's seventh largest county that now totals over $245 million per year.  My work at the local government level has given him a solid understanding of the work done by the North Carolina Local Government Commission, chaired by the State Treasurer, to ensure the financial integrity of city and county governments.  As Co-Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee of the UNC Board of Governors, I have worked to oversee a $6 billion budget for the 14 campus UNC system.  As the current President of the NC Association of County Commissioners, I have gained a unique perspective on the challenges that our local communities are facing.

My priorities as State Treasurer will be to wisely manage the state’s financial resources; maintain North Carolina’s AAA bond rating; honor the state’s commitments to its current and retired state employees; and use the resources of the state to create opportunities in education, health care, and economic development for all North Carolinians.