Gardner, O. Max

Gardner, (Oliver Maxwell) O. Max (1882–1947) governor; born in Shelby, N.C. A lawyer and wealthy investor, he served in the state legislature before becoming North Carolina's lieutenant governor (Dem., 1916–21). As governor (1929–33) he re-established state credit, consolidating the highway and university systems. He then began to practice law in Washington, D.C., where he won a reputation as a lobbyist and trusted adviser of President Franklin Roosevelt. He served on various federal boards, then chaired the Office of War Mobilization (1944–46) and was undersecretary of the treasury (1946).