Two of Governor Pat McCrory’s biggest Information Technology (IT) priorities were honored last week by StateScoop Magazine at the National Association of State Chief Information Officer’s (NASCIO) mid-year conference. North Carolina’s Government Data Analytics Center (GDAC), which ties to Governor McCrory’s vision of doing business with state government more easily, was recognized as State IT Program of the Year. Eric Ellis, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for the State, was recognized as State Up and Comer for his leadership and invaluable work at the North Carolina Innovation Center (iCenter).
“The important work that’s been done at both the iCenter and GDAC deserves this recognition,” said State Chief Information Officer Keith Werner. “GDAC has made incredible strides in improving the way everyone from our citizens to our law enforcement officials interact with the government. In cases such as fraud monitoring, the sharing of data through GDAC has led to agencies having improved service delivery, while also saving taxpayer money. In addition, through GDAC’s Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Automated Data Services (CJLEADS) program, law enforcement officers are provided greater access to information about the people they encounter, helping to improve the state’s public safety efforts. That said, if a single life is saved because of the system, its value is priceless.”
StateScoop hosts these awards every year and opens the nominees up to public voting through an online forum. As “State IT Program of the Year,” GDAC was one of the best examples of influential state and IT programs that had delivered cost savings, superior performance results and partnerships between agencies. As a “State Up and Comer,” Eric Ellis was a State government employee who made someone think, “they’ll be running the show some day” and is also a leader who accomplished exceptional IT work this year.
“Eric Ellis provides invaluable service to all of our agencies, and the state of North Carolina,” said Werner. “Three years ago, he was instrumental in making the vision of the iCenter become a reality. Eric is always three steps ahead of anyone in the room, which truly benefits our state and its citizens. Because of the important work that Eric does, North Carolina has become a model in innovation for other states around the country.”