State Chief Information Security Officer Bernice Russell-Bond recently visited Western North Carolina to spotlight the state’s expanding cybersecurity capabilities and reinforce the department’s commitment to developing a resilient cybersecurity workforce.
On March 3, Russell-Bond joined IT outsourcing company Provalus for the grand opening of its Center of Excellence in North Wilkesboro. Provalus is helping create technology and cybersecurity career opportunities in communities with few such opportunities, with a strong focus on workforce development, particularly for veterans.
Russell-Bond continued her focus on cybersecurity talent development with a visit to Montreat College on March 18 to learn more about the training offered through its Carolina Cyber Center.
The following day, Russell-Bond gave the keynote address for the Carolina Cyber Network Spring Convening at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock. She highlighted NCDIT’s partnership with CCN to launch a new cybersecurity internship program for students at 23 North Carolina universities and community colleges.
Since fall 2025, NCDIT has hosted 18 CCN cybersecurity interns, providing paid, hand-son experience working remotely alongside seasoned cyber professionals in 24/7 operational shifts.
These partnerships strengthen North Carolina’s cybersecurity posture while building a robust talent pipeline – ensuring early-career professionals have meaningful opportunities to enter the public-sector cyber workforce at a time when skilled defenders are needed.