Tony Gurley (born April 3, 1956) is an American businessman and political figure from North Carolina. He is serving his third term on the Wake County Board of Commissioners, having been first elected in 2002. Gurley served as Vice-Chairman in 2005 and as Chairman in 2006-2007, and 2010. By trade, Gurley is both a pharmacist and attorney. He is a member of the North Carolina Republican Party.[1] In 2011, Gurley filed paperwork to run for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina in 2012.
Early life, education and business career
Gurley was born and raised in McDowell County in Western North Carolina. After graduating from high school, Tony attended University of North Carolina and received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1978. He continued his studies at UNC and in 1981 received his Masters Degree in Pharmacy Administration. From 1984 to 1999 Tony owned and operated Gurley’s Pharmacy in Durham, North Carolina and Blue Ridge Pharmacy in Raleigh.
In 1999, Gurley sold his pharmacies and entered Law School at North Carolina Central University. He graduated in 2003. After receiving his law degree, Gurley opened the Law practice of Gurley & Cookson in Raleigh.[3]
Wake County politics
Gurley began his political career in Raleigh in 2002 when he was elected at-large to the Wake County Board of Commissioners. Gurley was re-elected in 2006, and 2010 respectively.
2012 run for lieutenant governor
In March 2011, Gurley announced via twitter that he filed organizational papers to run for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina in 2012.[2] In September of 2011, Gurley's candidacy was endorsed by former Lieutenant Governor James Carson Gardner, stating that he liked the idea that Gurley, a pharmacy owner, had a background in business.[4]
