North Carolina Governor Names New State CIO

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has named Eric Boyette, at left, to serve as the state's chief information officer and lead the state’s IT services. Boyette will take over the position from Danny Lineberry, who has served as acting secretary and CIO since Keith Werner departed in January.

Boyette most recently served as CIO for the state Department of Transportation and as acting commissioner for the Division of Motor Vehicles. A longtime public servant, Boyette has been with the NCDOT for more than 20 years. His move over to the Department of Information Technology (DIT) will come on the heels of a massive effort to consolidate IT systems and tackle issues like rate reform and modernizing the procurement processes.

Cooper announced Boyette's appointment at a press conference at the governor’s mansion on April 7. The appointment will need to be confirmed by the state Senate — a new rule passed by Cooper’s predecessor, former-governor Pat McCrory.

“With the right technology in place and applied at the right time, great things can happen,” Boyette said in prepared remarks. “Each department has unique needs. It’s DIT’s job to ensure we apply the technological solutions to those needs, and also to be fiscally responsible.”

In the Center for Digital Government's* 2016 Digital States Survey, North Carolina received a B+ grade for its commitment to expanding its innovation efforts through programs like the Innovation Center, where agencies can test tech, and taking a wide view of the Internet of Things.

McCrory had reorganized state IT by establishing the DIT under the direct control of the Governor’s Office. The state brought in the Government Data Analytics Center from the Controller’s Office and into the Office of Information Technology Services to serve as an analytics hub for all state agencies.

In 2016, Boyette was named a Public Sector CIO of the Year by the Triangle Business Journal for his role in creating a better business environment in the region through technology modernization.

*The Center for Digital Government is part of e.Republic, Government Technology's parent company.