The N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) has named Annette Taylor as the new deputy secretary for NCDIT’s Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity. The position, created in July 2021, is intended to prioritize the state’s efforts to close the digital divide.
“Annette’s broad experience in leadership and community engagement will aid the Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity in its work to ensure all North Carolinians can thrive in today’s increasingly digital world,” said NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione. “With her expertise, the division is well positioned to continue leveraging state and federal funding to provide crucial access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet, digital devices, and digital literacy resources.”
In her new role, she will oversee the investment of nearly $1 billion in Federal American Rescue Plan funds and $30 million in state funding for high-speed internet infrastructure access and adoption.
Taylor is no stranger to the state government, having joined NCDIT in May 2022 as the state’s first director of the Office of Digital Opportunity. She holds a Master of Science in organizational leadership from Pfeiffer University, a Bachelor of Arts in communications from North Carolina Central University, and a nonprofit management certificate from Duke University.
NCDIT noted in a press release, that Taylor completed the Leadership North Carolina (LNC) program in 2024 and received the LNC Stanley Frank Class Award for demonstrating leadership that makes a significant improvement to the quality of life, economic well-being, and sense of community in the state.
