Dave Calone was born and raised in Suffolk County. His mom is a retired public school teacher and his dad a retired engineer. Because of their hard work, the support of his teachers in the Mt. Sinai and Port Jefferson school districts, and the help of his community, Dave received a great education that enabled his career in both law and business.

After studying economics in college, followed by law school, Dave started his career as a federal prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justice. He prosecuted corporate fraud by companies in the oil and gas industry and by companies targeting military families. Dave also helped prosecute an al-Qaeda terrorist for his role in the 9/11 attacks. Later, Dave became a New York State Special Assistant Attorney General, where he helped negotiate what was—at the time—the largest health care fraud recovery for taxpayers in the state’s history.

For the past 16 years, Dave has pursued innovation and entrepreneurship by working to start and build companies throughout the country, including right here on Long Island. One of the companies that he co-founded has expanded health care access and affordability, while being recognized four times by Inc. Magazine as among the fastest growing companies in the United States. Dave initiated the Long Island Emerging Technologies Fund to help launch ten job-creating companies based on technology developed by Long Island’s research laboratories.

Dave is especially committed to providing opportunities for veterans and active duty service members to start their own companies, serving as the Founding National Board Chair of Patriot Boot Camp (now part of DAV—Disabled American Veterans), which has provided entrepreneurship training to over 1000 veterans. Dave continues his leadership in this area as Co-chair of DAV’s National Veterans Entrepreneurship Council.

Dave applied this same entrepreneurial spirit to helping Suffolk County work better for its residents. He was appointed by the last two County Executives to serve as Chair of the Suffolk County Planning Commission for a total of eight years. During that time, he worked with civic associations, environmental groups, developers, and elected officials of both parties to focus the Planning Commission on eliminating red tape and promoting regional economic development, environmental sustainability, housing diversity, transportation innovations, and public safety.

Dave created the LI Unified Solar Permit Initiative, cutting bureaucracy and promoting renewable energy. The program resulted in Suffolk County winning a prestigious National Association of Counties Achievement Award. His “Farmers for the Future” idea enabled new Suffolk County farmers to buy the equipment they need and led to significant funding flowing to East End farmers from New York State.

Through his work quarterbacking Suffolk County’s first Comprehensive Plan in over 40 years and serving as Chair of Suffolk County’s Superstorm Sandy Review Task Force, Dave has been a leader in helping Suffolk County prepare for the future, including facing the dangers of climate change. And as a longtime board member of both the United Way of Long Island and the Community Development Corporation, Dave is committed to initiatives that address inequities in health, housing, and economic opportunity.

Dave Calone is a proven problem solver, leader and innovator in both the private and public sectors. He’s also a husband and dad to three kids, so he has a very personal stake in strengthening the future of Suffolk County for the next generation.