Broadband

North Carolina announces new leaders to help close digital divide

Among three new officials named is Maggie Woods, who is the new director of the state's Office of Digital Opportunity.

By Sophia Fox-Sowell

June 27, 2025

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The North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s broadband division on Friday announced three new officials to help advance its efforts to bridge the digital divide and expand internet access.

Maggie Woods was named director of the Office of Digital Opportunity, Christina Strickland was named chief deputy general counsel and Dana Lee was named deputy general counsel.

“We’re excited to have Maggie, Christina and Dana step into these roles to further advance our initiatives and ensure all North Carolinians can thrive in today’s digital world,” said Annette Taylor, the technology department’s deputy secretary for broadband and digital opportunity. “Their extensive work as civic leaders will help drive our efforts to create a more connected and prosperous state.”

As director, Woods will steward $50 million in digital opportunity programs aimed at providing internet access, devices and skills training to underserved populations in low-income and rural communities. In her previous role as deputy director of the office, Woods helped launch North Carolina’s first statewide digital support hotline and last year helped create the Tech Resource Finder, a website that connects residents to free digital literacy services.

Strickland, the new chief deputy general counsel, joined the state IT department in June. She’ll oversee legal matters for the department’s $1.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. She previously served as legal counsel for the state’s Department of Health and Human Services’ IT division and general counsel for North Carolina Retirement Systems at the Department of State Treasurer.

Lee previously served as assistant general counsel at the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor and assistant attorney general at the state Justice Department. She joined the state’s technology bureau in March, helping to finalize more than $255 million in contracts to help bring high-speed internet to nearly 70,000 homes and businesses in 83 counties.