Tech CEO of the Year
Ben Currin
CEO
Vantaca
NC TECH, along with Cherry Bekeart, are delighted to announce the Individual Award Winners for the 2026 NC TECH Awards. Congratulations to the 8 individuals who received recognition in their categories. Make your plans to join 600+ technology, business, and public leaders on November 16 at the Sheraton Imperial RTP in Durham to celebrate North Carolina's technology sector. Registration is now open for NC TECH's largest event of the year.
Individual Award Winners
The Individual Awards honor leaders who are making a meaningful impact on North Carolina’s tech industry and communities. Winners are selected based on their accomplishments, leadership, and contributions to advancing technology and driving positive change across the state.
Innovation Champion
Bill Pappas
Executive Vice President and Head of Global Technology and Operations
MetLife
CISO of the Year
Bernice Bond
State Chief Information Security Officer
N.C. Department of Information Technology
Tech Difference Maker
Maggie Woods
Rural Health Transformation Program Director
N.C. Department of Health & Human Services
Tech Woman of the Year
Divya Shaju
Managing Director - Risk & Control and Regulatory Head for CIO CB & AFC
Deutsche Bank