MCNC Celebrates Remarkable Milestone in Technology
An inspirational nonprofit transforms North Carolina's digital landscape by honoring community leaders.
This week, MCNC brought together over 200 leaders from technology, government, and business for a significant event dedicated to celebrating 45 transformative years in the realm of technology. The event, held at the Durham Convention Center, was aptly named the MCNC Community Day.
The theme, 45 Years of Transformation, paid homage to the rich history and future aspirations of MCNC as it continues to foster connectivity throughout North Carolina. The agenda featured captivating keynotes and panels discussing pressing topics in technology, such as cybersecurity, quantum computing, the role of women in tech, cloud platforms, and AI innovation, to name a few.
Tracy Doaks, MCNC President and CEO, expressed pride in the organization's journey, stating, "For 45 years, the leaders, partners, and innovators of MCNC have shaped us into a genuine success story for North Carolina. The next chapter of transformation won't just be about increasing speed but about increasing impact to ensure North Carolina remains the most connected, most innovative, and most digitally-empowered state in the nation."
The event also provided unique networking opportunities, allowing professionals to connect and share insights on how advanced networking technologies can enhance North Carolina's global standing. Additionally, MCNC recognized four exemplary individuals for their commitment to using technology to create growth opportunities for local economies.
Nate Denny, who served as the former Deputy Secretary of Broadband and Digital Opportunity at the N.C. Department of Information Technology and is now a Principal at EQV Strategic, received the prestigious 2025 Robyn Render Endeavor Award for his exceptional service to MCNC's mission.
Charley Kneifel, the Chief Information Officer at Duke University, was honored with the 2025 Innovation Award for his commitment to collaborative technology projects that have made a significant positive impact on the community.
Teena Piccione, Secretary of NCDIT and State CIO, earned the 2025 Empower Award as a newcomer to the MCNC Community making an immediate influence.
Stephen Reeves, serving as Associate Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer for the North Carolina Community College System, was the deserving recipient of the MCNC Community Champion Award.
MCNC Community Day was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship from various organizations. Notable contributions included those from ECC Technologies as the Premier Networking Event Sponsor, and other significant sponsors such as eNCore, Cisco, Presidio, and Tanium.
MCNC Community Day 2025 Award Recipients
Robyn Render Endeavor Award: Nate Denny
Nate Denny's career exemplifies a profound commitment to employing technology for fairness and opportunity in North Carolina. His leadership in the NCDIT Broadband Infrastructure Office helped facilitate significant statewide broadband programs. Currently, Denny is committed to fostering partnerships that promote digital access and educational opportunities, showcasing his dedication to MCNC's core goals.
Innovation Award: Charley Kneifel
As Duke University CIO, Charley Kneifel champions innovative technology solutions that strengthen the MCNC community. His foresight leads to collaborative initiatives that not only support Duke's research but also benefit institutions across North Carolina, setting the standard for how technology can enhance education.
Empower Award: Teena Piccione
Teena Piccione has made significant strides as a leader in technology through her prior roles at Fidelity Investments and Google. Now serving as the state chief information officer, she focuses on broadband expansion and digital equity, driving initiatives that promote inclusivity and innovation across North Carolina.
Community Champion Award: Stephen Reeves
Stephen Reeves is dedicated to boosting cybersecurity and digital resilience as the Chief Information Security Officer for the North Carolina Community College System. His leadership fosters collaboration among organizations to address and mitigate cyber threats while enhancing educational environments.
About MCNC
MCNC is a non-profit technology organization established in 1980, operating the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN). MCNC is dedicated to providing superior services for education, research, and community institutions throughout North Carolina. With over 45 years of innovation, the organization supports over 850 institutions, enhancing digital capabilities and accessibility across the state.
Find out more about MCNC's initiatives and services at www.mcnc.org. Stay connected with MCNC on various social media platforms such as Facebook, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MCNC?
MCNC is a nonprofit organization that provides technology solutions and high-performance services to educational, research, and community institutions in North Carolina.
What event did MCNC celebrate recently?
MCNC recently celebrated its 45th anniversary at the MCNC Community Day, recognizing leaders who have positively influenced the digital landscape in North Carolina.
Who received awards at the MCNC Community Day?
Nate Denny, Charley Kneifel, Teena Piccione, and Stephen Reeves were honored with awards for their contributions to technology and community service.
What topics were covered at the event?
The event featured discussions on various technology topics such as cybersecurity, quantum computing, the role of women in technology, cloud platforms, and AI innovation.
How has MCNC impacted North Carolina?
MCNC has enhanced digital connectivity and innovation across North Carolina, facilitating broadband access and technology-driven solutions for numerous institutions.
