News-Record.com

From the Gov. Easley's press office:

RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley today nominated current State Budget Director David McCoy to become the next State Controller to replace Robert Powell who is planning to retire before the end of this year. McCoy's appointment, which was submitted to legislative leaders, must be confirmed by the General Assembly.

"David is an outstanding public servant," Easley said. "His vast experience in so many aspects of North Carolina government and the exemplary job he has done overseeing the state budget in both tough and good times, makes him especially qualified to be our next State Controller."

Easley also thanked Powell for his work for North Carolina. "Robert's career in state government is both long and distinguished, as state controller and before that, as deputy state budget director. State government operates better because of his good work."

McCoy is the first American Indian to be state budget director. He has directed the state budget throughout Easley's two terms as governor. Prior to that he served in the administration of Gov. Jim Hunt as transportation secretary, the governor’s deputy chief of staff and chief deputy secretary of the Department of Administration. During the administration of Gov. Jim Martin, McCoy served as chief counsel in the Department of Administration and as assistant director of the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs.

McCoy is a graduate of the University of Georgia and holds a Master's degree in education from the University of Georgia, a Master’s degree in public health from the University of North Carolina and a law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law.