Angela McCray, deputy human resources director, and Fred Eaker, implementation program manager for the N.C. Health Information Exchange Authority, are being honored by the NC TECH Association with a NEXT TECH Award, which recognizes exceptional performers and rising stars who are helping grow the state’s tech community.
The NC TECH Association selected both for recognition in the Tech Professional Services category. McCray was cited for her dedication to helping grow the state’s IT workforce and Eaker for his contributions to advancing public health through NC HIEA.
McCray said she has succeeded because close collaboration with her team and mutual respect for other’s experiences and expertise enable them to work exceptionally well together.
“Those who work closely with me often hear me emphasize, ‘It takes a team to accomplish the work of our HR Division; one person cannot do it alone,’” she said. “By fostering a culture of teamwork, we approach our tasks with a shared sense of urgency, ensuring timely and effective delivery.”
HR Director Joey Harrison praised McCray's “dedication to excellence, innovation and community engagement.”
“Her extensive experience, innovative approach to HR service delivery, exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to her team, NCDIT, the state’s tech ecosystem and the greater community make her a deserving candidate for this recognition,” he wrote in her nomination.
Eaker said he’s proud to help healthcare in North Carolina through the NC HIEA, which manages the state’s designated health information exchange, NC HealthConnex.
“The NC HIEA team is group of smart, passionate, and supportive people who truly believe in the mission of our organization – improving healthcare outcomes for North Carolinians,” he said. “I am lucky to be a part of this team and contribute to its ongoing success."
NC HIEA Executive Director Sam Thompson said that Eaker has grown and matured the project management team with six staff and made it “essential to advancing our projects and achieving our objectives.” He's the team’s go-to for knowledge and resources to understand projects and overcome obstacles.
“Fred provides structure for the entire NC HIEA through his organization and attention to detail,” Thompson said. “These qualities and his patient bearing made it clear that we could build out NC HIEA’s project management team under him.”
Eaker aims to continue to mature the NC HIEA’s project management office, support the creation of a sustainable security, privacy and risk management program, build strong relationships with the state’s healthcare provider community and collaborate with other state agencies.
McCray and Eaker will both receive their awards during a reception at the NC TECH Association’s State of Tech Exponential Conference at the Durham Convention Center on May 14. They will also have profiles in the June issue of Business North Carolina.
Read on to learn more about these outstanding leaders at NCDIT.
Angela McCray, Deputy Human Resources Director
McCray is a career public servant, with more than 20 years in local, state and federal government HR. She joined NCDIT’s HR department in 2018 and quickly became a key leader in growing HR operations and services. She became deputy HR director in November 2022 and manages daily operations and serves as the primary project manager for the HR division, ensuring effective partnerships with the executive leadership.
“Throughout her career, Angela has participated in initiatives that promote technological innovation and workforce development, recognizing the critical role that technology plays in the state’s economic growth,” Harrison said. “Her initiatives reflect her dedication to not only advancing NCDIT’s mission but also supporting the state’s position as a leader in technology.”
McCray has been instrumental in advancing NCDIT’s technological capabilities, particularly to streamline and automate HR processes and provide employees with a centralized platform to access services, find answers and interact with HR professionals.
She has also helped develop IT managers' supervisory skillsets, improve employee pay in relation to market and pay equity across gender, and build apprenticeship and internship opportunities, opening pathways for non-traditional job candidates to enter the state’s tech workforce.
Throughout fast-paced change, McCray exhibits an even-keeled nature that helps keep her team focused on the department’s goals. She mentors aspiring HR professionals and contributes to HR communities of practice.
“What truly sets Angela apart is her infectious energy and positive attitude. She approaches challenges with enthusiasm and views them as opportunities for growth and improvement,” Harrison said. “Her optimistic outlook fosters a culture of resilience and adaptability within her team, enabling them to navigate the dynamic landscape of technology and public service effectively.”
In her community, McCray encourages technology education and digital literacy to empower the next generation through knowledge and opportunity. She volunteers with Hour of Code, an initiative that introduces students to the fundamentals of coding and computer science; the Kramden Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to providing technology access and education to underserved communities; and various community initiatives of the Southeast Raleigh High School band.
“Angela’s ability to balance her professional career, community service and family responsibilities is a testament to her selflessness and determination,” Harrison said. “Whether mentoring young minds in technology, supporting charitable causes or caring for her loved ones, she embodies the spirit of service, making a lasting impact on both her community and loved ones.
“Her work to help others develop their technical, organizational and leadership skills demonstrates her effectiveness as a leader and champion of people, our greatest assets.”
Fred Eaker, implementation program manager, N.C. Health Information Exchange Authority
Eaker has more than 20 years of experience managing complex IT operations and projects for North Carolina state agencies and nonprofits.
He joined NC HIEA in May 2021 as implementation project manager at the start of an initiative to connect thousands of medical providers to NC HealthConnex, the state’s designated health information exchange, ahead of a state-mandated deadline. He also managed the initial annual security and risk assessment project to obtain HITRUST certification, which recognizes organizations that meet stringent requirements for managing sensitive data.
Since a promotion in September 2023, Eaker has collaboratively managed a $3 million program of up to 25 project workstreams involving NC HIEA leadership, an external program manager and multiple internal and external project managers. He has focused on delivering federal, state and grant-funded initiatives and value to statewide NC HealthConnex participants.
The projects he manages make significant contributions to health in North Carolina: major third-party software upgrades impacting multiple public-facing services, the initial creation of a Stroke Registry for the N.C. Division of Public Health and the implementation of electronic test orders and requisitions for the State Laboratory for Public Health, among many.
At the same time, Eaker invests in his team members and guides their professional development. He has built and manages a team of five internal project managers supporting operations, data quality, analytics and business relations for NC HIEA.
Before joining NC HIEA, he served with North Carolina State University for 13 years, as well as the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Eaker also displays a spirit of giving back to his community. He serves as an advisory board member for the North Carolina State Employees Credit Union, focusing on economic empowerment.