David Capen

David Capen serves as the Chief Deputy Commissioner of Labor for the State of North Carolina under Commissioner Luke Farley. In this role, he is the Department’s second-highest ranking official and Chief of Staff, overseeing a $47 million budget and more than 370 employees.

The Chief Deputy Commissioner oversees key operational functions, including strategic planning, legal affairs, policy development, budget formulation, financial management, communications, information technology, and human resources. He also provides executive leadership to NCDOL’s divisions and bureaus — including Occupational Safety & Health and Standards & Inspections — to support the Commissioner and ensure the effective administration of the Department’s statewide programs.

A graduate of the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business at Campbell University, Capen brings more than a decade of experience across federal, state, and local government. He began his public service career on Capitol Hill as a congressional intern with the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means before serving as Director of Policy at the North Carolina General Assembly, where he advised House leadership on complex policy and budget matters. In addition to his executive leadership experience, Capen has served as an appointed member of local government boards, including the Harnett County Board of Adjustment and the Town of Morrisville Planning and Zoning Board.