By: Chelsea Robinson

In the world of technology infrastructure, it is easy to focus on systems and forget about the people behind them. Tracy Doaks is changing that.

As President and CEO of MCNC, a nonprofit that provides critical technology services to North Carolina’s public institutions, Doaks brings together operational excellence and a deep commitment to public service.

Her work is centered on a clear goal: making sure every community has access not just to the internet, but to resilient and inclusive systems that support learning, health care, economic opportunity, and long-term growth.

Career Shaped By Public Impact

Before joining MCNC in 2020, Tracy Doaks led some of the most essential technology functions in the state.

As North Carolina’s State Chief Information Officer and Secretary of the Department of Information Technology, she was responsible for broadband strategy, cybersecurity, statewide IT operations, procurement, and emergency communications, including oversight of the NC 911 Board.

Her earlier roles included senior leadership positions at Duke Medicine, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, and the North Carolina Department of Revenue. Across all these roles, she led complex digital transformations with a focus on systems that support everyday lives.

With a degree in Industrial Engineering from NC State University and a CIO certification from the UNC School of Government, she combines technical depth with policy insight.

But what sets her apart is not only her expertise, but also how she uses it to serve.

Tracy has described her leadership journey as one of self-discovery. As a black woman in a field historically dominated by white men, she has spoken openly about the challenge of finding her voice and trusting her leadership instincts.

“It took years to stop emulating what others expected and instead lead from a place of authenticity,” she explained in a recent podcast interview. “Letting go of ego was one of the hardest things, but I had to do it to become the leader I am today.”

Leading MCNC Through Change

At MCNC, Doaks leads a team responsible for delivering high-speed internet, cybersecurity, and cloud services across all 100 counties in North Carolina. The organization supports thousands of community anchor institutions, including schools, libraries, health clinics, and local governments.

MCNC continues to expand its reach through projects like the western fiber buildout in partnership with Facebook and its HERO Project, all of which are helping to connect new regions and close digital gaps across the state. Tracy has also positioned the organization to meet emerging needs by strengthening cybersecurity services and preparing for technologies like AI and quantum computing. Her approach is grounded in the reality that broadband is no longer optional. It is a basic requirement for participation in modern life, from accessing health care and education to finding a job or running a business.

For Tracy, expanding access to reliable internet is not just a technical goal, but a matter of equity and essential service.

Service And Community Commitment

Tracy’s commitment to digital equity and service extends far beyond her day-to-day role. She lends her time and expertise to several organizations that support marginalized communities and broaden access to technology.

She sits on the boards of Rewriting the Code, The Quilt, the Center for Internet Security, and CORRAL Riding Academy. This horse farm provides equine therapy and academic support to high-risk girls. She volunteers, mentors, and advocates to ensure more women and people of color are not only included in the tech world but are supported in meaningful ways.

She’s especially passionate about representation in STEM education, supporting groups like ATHENA in Tech, NCTNA, and the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition. In a recent conversation, she shared that “eventually everything will be STEM; it’s in our cars, our fridges, our farms – the real opportunity lies in showing people that there’s a place for them in it.”

That community-minded leadership has earned her numerous honors, including the 2024 Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award from NC State, and she was recently named an honoree for the Triangle Business Journal’s 2025 Corporate Leadership Award.

But for Doaks, recognition isn’t the goal. As she puts it, “I’m a public servant first. That mindset guides everything I do.”

Building What Comes Next

Doaks said she sees infrastructure as more than physical systems. For her, it is about trust, opportunity, and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.

In a time when many leaders prioritize speed, scale, or innovation for its own sake, she brings a different kind of leadership – one rooted in service, community, and long-term thinking.

Tracy Doaks is breaking barriers in who leads, how they lead, and who gets to be part of the future we’re building together.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MCNC or any of its affiliates. The article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or promotional content. Any statements made regarding Tracy Doaks’ leadership and initiatives are based on publicly available information. Please note that this article is not sponsored or influenced by any organization or individual mentioned.