The N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) recently took home top honors during the NC TECH Association’s annual awards gala in Raleigh, recognizing the team's strides in technological innovation across the state. N.C. Department of Information Technology was graced with awards for its efforts in several aspects of government technology, from bringing high-speed internet to more residents to safeguarding cybersecurity protocols.
Jim Weaver, NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, was named Public Leader of the Year for his work in expanding tech services and promoting digital inclusivity and security in state operations. Governor Roy Cooper said in the N.C. Department of Information Technology website, "With Jim’s visionary leadership as State CIO and NCDIT Secretary, we’re getting more North Carolinians than ever connected to high-speed internet so they can take advantage of all the opportunities it brings—including better jobs, education and access to health care.” Weaver credited the award to his team’s efforts, emphasizing the department's focus on preparing the workforce for future technological challenges.
The department also focused on making digital government services accessible to all. N.C. Department of Information Technology was a finalist for the Use of Technology Award, Government category, for its Digital Solutions Team's work on creating an accessible, digital-first user experience. This effort was supported by a website quality assurance and accessibility monitoring service and the N.C. Digital Accessibility Community of Practice, which connects web experts and communicators working to make digital services inclusive, according to details from the NC TECH gala.
The N.C. Department of Information Technology also became a finalist for the Use of Technology Award in the Cybersecurity category. It worked with the N.C. 911 Board, the state's Joint Cybersecurity Task Force, and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to enhance cybersecurity for public safety answering points in North Carolina. Last year, the board conducted exercises and vulnerability assessments to help PSAPs defend against cyberthreats, reflecting NCDIT's commitment to protecting citizens and their data from cyber risks.
