Retirement doesn’t slow this finance expert down

From Humble Beginnings to Global Finance—and Now Local Leadership

Carlos Zamora is no stranger to transformation. After decades shaping global banking, he’s traded spreadsheets for campaign flyers, trading retirement for a run at Kootenai County Treasurer in Idaho’s upcoming Republican primary. With the election just days away, Zamora faces Teresa Mallery in what promises to be the decisive contest—November will see no opposition for the winner.

A Life of Reinvention

Born in Cuba, Zamora and his family arrived in the United States in 1966 with little more than hope. They settled in Hayden, Idaho, where Zamora would later make his home with his wife Priscilla. "We started from scratch," he reflects. "This country gave us opportunities we wouldn’t have had anywhere else."

That journey took him from small-town Idaho to the world’s financial hubs. Now, after 40-plus years in banking across continents, Zamora is turning his expertise toward a role few understand—but one that’s quietly critical to local economies.

The Treasurer’s Toolkit: More Than Just Taxes

County treasurers do more than collect funds—they’re financial stewards, investing unused tax dollars to save residents money. Zamora believes his background in asset management positions him perfectly for the role. "I want to use my experience to help reduce the tax burden," he states with conviction.

But treasurers also manage unclaimed property from deceased residents—a responsibility Zamora admits is unfamiliar. Still, he’s undeterred. "I’ll rely on the team’s expertise," he says. "They know the system better than I ever will."

Steady Hands, Small Steps

Zamora isn’t here to disrupt. The current treasurer, Steve Matheson, has earned a strong reputation over three terms. Zamora’s approach? Maintain stability while making incremental improvements. "Why fix what isn’t broken?" he asks rhetorically.

Politics vs. Practicality

Though the race carries political weight, Zamora frames it as a matter of service. "I’m conservative," he clarifies, "but I work for everyone." His mission isn’t ideological—it’s financial prudence. "My goal isn’t to push an agenda," he emphasizes. "It’s to save money where we can."

For Zamora, this isn’t just a new job—it’s a chance to give back to the community that gave him his start.