Democratic business executive Nick Mansour has launched a campaign for Arizona state treasurer, promising to bring transparency, accountability and a data-driven approach to managing the state’s $31 billion in assets.

The Tucson native is entering an open race, as Kimberly Yee is term-limited and running in the Republican primary for state superintendent of public instruction.

Mansour, a third-generation Arizonan, graduated from Salpointe Catholic High School before earning a degree in industrial engineering and an MBA from Stanford.

He's worked in finance, emergency support and education, most recently serving as chairman and CEO of the Arizona College of Nursing.

During his time at Arizona College of Nursing, the school grew from a single campus to 24 campuses in 14 states, becoming Arizona’s largest nursing school and a leading nursing college nationwide, according to his campaign website.

If elected, Mansour will bring a CEO approach to the state’s finances, helping cities, towns and school districts secure the resources they need now and to support future generations, according to his campaign website.

He's also prioritizing improving education outcomes for Arizona children, saying on his campaign website that high-quality education is key to the state’s growth and the foundation of society.

"I saw firsthand how education and opportunity can transform lives," Mansour said in a video announcing his candidacy.

Mansour hopes to modernize the treasurer’s office. With the office overseeing the state’s education endowment funds, now valued at more than $8.7 billion, it is important to ensure the money is invested wisely.

"We have a unique opportunities. Other states are struggling, but Arizona is growing. I can attract business and crate good jobs because I've done it before," Mansour said in the video. "My priorities are to drive economic growth, invest in education and make sure you get a good return on Arizona's investment."

Caitlin Schmidt is Editor and Publisher of Tucson Spotlight. Contact her at caitlin@tucsonspotlight.org.

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