County Manager

County Manager David Cooke is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Wake County Government. In this role, Mr. Cooke reports to the Board of Commissioners, which sets policy and adopts ordinances that regulate Wake County Government.

One of the manager's key responsibilities is to recommend an annual budget to the Board of Commissioners. This is typically done during the second Board of Commissioners meeting in May. Wake County's fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.

David Cooke was hired as Wake County's deputy manager in September 1996. He has served as Wake County manager since August 2000. His previous experience includes 10 years with the city of Charlotte, N.C.

Cooke interfaces with other county and municipal leaders to exchange ideas and share the County’s strategies for quality and innovation in government initiatives and service to its citizens. He serves as a member or officer of a variety of organizations, including the International City/County Managers Association, N.C. League of Municipalities, N.C. Association of County Commissioners, NACA, and N.C. City and County Managers Association.

Mr. Cooke earned both a Bachelor of Arts in public policy analysis and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was a presidential management intern upon graduation, and attended the Senior Executive Institute at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia.

The Wake County Manager’s office is located in the Wake County Office Building.

To contact the County Manager's office, call 919-856-6160 or write to:

P.O. Box 550, Suite 1100
Raleigh, NC 27602