David Buhler photograph collection, 1980s-2000s

David Buhler (1957-) is a native of Salt Lake City, where he graduated from South High. Buhler received Bachelor of Science degrees in Political Science and History from the University of Utah, a Master's degree in Public Administration from Brigham Young University, and a Doctor of Philosophy. David Buhler is married to the former Lori Goaslind, and together they have five children.

Dr. Buhler began his career in politics working on the staff of the campaigns of Senator Orrin Hatch (1982) and Governor Norman Bangerter (1984, 1988). After Governor Bangerter's election in 1984, Buhler served as a staff member in his office. During Governor Bangerter's re-election bid in 1988, Buhler held the position of Campaign Manager, and helped orchestrate a strategy that brought Bangerter from far behind his opponents to a marginal victory. After the successful re-election, Buhler was appointed as Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce. In 1991, Buhler ran for Salt Lake City Mayor. After a loss to Deedee Corradini, Buhler continued at the Department of Commerce until stepping down in 1992 to accept a position in private business. He also taught Political Science as an adjunct professor from 1992-2006 at the University of Utah.

In 1994, David Buhler ran a successful campaign for a seat in the Utah State Senate. Among other legislative pursuits, Buhler served as Vice Chair of the Executive Appropriations Committee. In 1999, Buhler was elected to the Salt Lake City Council, where he participated in the planning of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and re-elected in 2003. In 2007, Buhler again ran for Salt Lake City mayor, but fell short to Ralph Becker. Buhler was appointed as an Associate Commissioner of Higher Education in 2000 and as Utah Commissioner of Higher Education in 2012.