Former NCDIT Deputy Secretary Nate Denny will rejoin the state that day as the new department secretary.
The change reshapes the state’s technology leadership at the very top, where Piccione has been deeply involved in cybersecurity, AI and IT procurement efforts. In a statement Thursday, Gov. Josh Stein said: “Teena is a changemaker and has been an important part of our team,” adding that “her service to the state of North Carolina has been impactful.”
Before joining North Carolina state government in early 2025, Piccione built much of her career in the private sector, with senior leadership roles at companies including Google and AT&T, where she worked on large-scale technology and data initiatives. Her transition into public service brought a private-sector mindset into state government, with a focus on moving projects forward more quickly and prioritizing efforts that could deliver the most immediate impact for residents.
During her tenure, she also placed a strong emphasis on workforce development, particularly around broadening access to government IT roles for those earlier in their careers and creating pathways for new talent to enter public service. In 2025, the state opened up all unfilled IT positions to early-career applicants.
That approach paired with a broader push to modernize core systems across state agencies, including those tied to core government functions such as licensing, revenue and internal operations.
Piccione reflected on her tenure in a statement, saying, “It has been a profound honor to serve North Carolina in this capacity,” and indicating she is “deeply appreciative of the opportunity to contribute to the state.”
Stein highlighted the potential for continuity, noting, “Nate knows the department inside and out, and he is well equipped to lead it as we make state government technology work better for North Carolinians.”
Denny has prior department experience, having led the state’s broadband expansion initiative as deputy secretary for three years. His background also extends to the federal level, where he was deputy chief of staff at the U.S. General Services Administration, according to the state, working on issues related to procurement, economic development, government real estate and technology.
The incoming state technology leader emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum and carrying forward current technology efforts. He is “look[ing] forward to continuing Secretary Piccione’s great work to streamline procurement, modernize IT, and prepare the state to lead in the 21st century,” Denny said in a statement.
