The North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity has named Maggie Woods director of its Office of Digital Opportunity (ODT).
The office was created in 2021 to expand digital inclusion and opportunity across the state.
ODT aims to ensure that state residents have access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet service, digital devices, and the necessary skills to participate fully in the digital economy. To achieve those goals, the office administers grant programs, develops related resources, and collaborates with other organizations.
In her new position, Woods will manage a budget of $50 million in economic development efforts to ensure state residents have the skills and technology necessary to compete for jobs, the division said.
Woods previously served as deputy director of ODT.
During that time, she helped to stand up a series of grant programs that provide computers and digital literacy resources through 74 grantees. She also helped to create the nation’s first statewide digital support program by partnering with NC 211/United Way of North Carolina to provide free assistance by phone and collaborating with community organizations to launch the Tech Resource Finder website to provide free access to local services that offer help using the internet, public computers, Wi-Fi, and digital classes, the division said.
Prior to working with ODT, Woods was policy and program manager at the Institute for Emerging Issues and served as director of its BAND-NC digital opportunity program.
