The N.C. Department of Information Technology today announced Annette Taylor’s appointment as Deputy Secretary for NCDIT’s Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity, which was created in July 2021 to prioritize the state’s efforts to close the digital divide.
Taylor joined NCDIT in May 2022 as the director of the Office of Digital Opportunity, established as the first of its kind in the nation. As deputy secretary, 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.
“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.”
Taylor has more than 25 years of community service and civic engagement in both public and private sector roles and in the philanthropic arena directing resources to organizations across North Carolina. 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. She 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.
For more information about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity, please visit ncbroadband.gov.