N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) Secretary James Weaver today announced Annette Taylor will join the Division of Broadband and Digital Equity on May 2 as the new director of the Office of Digital Equity and Literacy. The office, the nation’s first, was created in July 2021 to expand digital literacy offerings and partnerships and support digital inclusion initiatives across North Carolina.
Taylor’s experience includes more than 25 years of community service and civic engagement in both public and private sector roles and in the philanthropic arena directing resources to organizations across North Carolina. Prior to joining NCDIT, she led diversity initiatives at the NC Education Lottery, including supplier diversity programs and minority business outreach.
“We’re excited to have Annette join NCDIT to further expand our initiatives to ensure all North Carolinians have equitable access to high-speed internet and digital literacy resources,” said Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Weaver. “Her extensive work as a civic leader and diversity advocate will help advance our outreach, education and partnership efforts to help close the digital divide.”
Taylor previously served as the director of community engagement for U.S. Representative G.K. Butterfield, where she led congressional initiatives and managed relationships with key stakeholders and constituents in 14 counties. She serves as the chair of the N.C. Council for Women and Youth Involvement. In 2020, she was appointed to the Andrea Harris Task Force for Social, Economic, Environmental, and Health Equity by Governor Roy Cooper.
Taylor has a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Pfeiffer University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from N.C. Central University, where she serves as a member of its Public Administration Department Advisory Board and as an adjunct professor of nonprofit management and strategic planning.