The N.C. Department of Information Technology has named Christie Burris as the new chief data officer for the state of North Carolina and director of the N.C. Government Data Analytics Center.
“Christie is an innovative and skilled strategic communications and policy executive with proven experience delivering complex programs in the public and private sectors,” said NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Jim Weaver. “In her new role, she will continue to apply her knowledge of data governance, data sharing and data analytics to serve NCDIT and the state.”
Burris has been a leader within NCDIT’s Data Division for more than seven years. In her recent role as executive director of the N.C. Health Information Exchange Authority, she oversaw the ongoing strategy to develop the state-designated health information exchange, NC HealthConnex, into a mature and modernized system and supported health care providers in fulfilling the state mandate for data connections.
Under Burris’ leadership, NC HealthConnex has achieved a fivefold increase in its participant base and strengthened partnerships with other state agencies and the private sector for the exchange of health care data. Burris has also overseen two technology platform upgrades, a comprehensive security assessment and the development of population health and analytic services to support the health care community.
"It has been a pleasure to serve as the executive director of the NC HIEA, guiding the development of NC HealthConnex,” said Burris. “During this time, I have been privileged to see tremendous growth in our efforts to support whole person care. I look forward to supporting and expanding GDAC’s vision of using data to inform policy and decision making to improve the management of state resources and the lives of North Carolina residents."
The NCDIT Data Division encompasses GDAC, the NC HIEA, the N.C. Center for Geographic Information and Analysis and the N.C. Longitudinal Data Service.
Burris replaces Carol Burroughs, who retired in December 2023. She will continue to be closely involved in the strategic vision for NC HealthConnex as a member of the NC HIEA Advisory Board.