Nate Denny

Secretary & State Chief Information Officer

Appointed in April 2026, Nate Denny serves as Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, leading the agency charged with statewide technology strategy, IT service delivery, cybersecurity and expanding broadband access and affordability across North Carolina. 

In this role, Denny is advancing a modern digital vision for the state – one that strengthens security, improves the digital user experience, and ensures every community can benefit from reliable, high‑quality connectivity.

With more than two decades of experience in federal and state government, Denny guides the department’s mission to keep North Carolina at the forefront of digital innovation. This includes championing responsible uses of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to improve public services, enhance operational efficiency, and support ethical, transparent decision‑making across state government.

Most recently, Denny served as principal for EQV Strategic political consulting firm.

He brings expansive knowledge of NCDIT and its mission, however, having held several key leadership roles within the agency from 2017 to 2025. As deputy secretary, he led the state’s broadband expansion initiatives for three years. Prior to that, he served as the department’s chief of staff and legislative liaison. 

Denny also served as deputy chief of staff at the U.S. General Services Administration, where he led congressional, state and local outreach on federal procurement, economic development, government real estate and technology.  

A native of Elizabeth City, N.C., Denny graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in English. He received a Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law.