Durham hires technology director to lead digital services

The City of Durham has selected Richard Barbee as its next Technology Solutions director, as it looks to strengthen enterprise IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital modernisation.

Durham, North Carolina, is part of the Research Triangle region alongside Raleigh and Chapel Hill.

Barbee said: “I’m honoured to join the City of Durham and excited to support the teams who keep this community running every day. Strengthening our technology systems, improving cybersecurity, and expanding innovative tools will be essential as we modernise for the future. I look forward to working with departments across the city to build secure, reliable, and forward-thinking technology that makes it easier for employees and residents to access the services they rely on.”

Barbee brings more than a decade of executive-level experience across government and healthcare, with a focus on infrastructure, cybersecurity, and large-scale transformation programmes.

He joins from Durham Tech Community College, where he served as executive director and chief technology officer, leading upgrades to core systems and expanding IT services, including new artificial intelligence initiatives.

Earlier, at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, he oversaw enterprise operations and cloud transformation, managing a nearly 200-person team and a US$110 million budget. His work included delivering a US$70 million electronic health records programme and migrating mission-critical systems to cloud environments.

His career also includes senior roles at Granville Health System and UNC Health Care, where he led infrastructure upgrades, cybersecurity recovery, and system integration programmes. Notable projects include restoring operations after a cyberattack within two weeks and delivering an US$84 million electronic health records rollout.

In Durham, Barbee will oversee technology operations, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, strategic planning, and project governance. The role is responsible for aligning IT systems with departmental needs and city council priorities, while ensuring secure and reliable digital services for residents and staff.

Barbee will begin the role at the end of April.

Image: Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com