NO RT H CA RO L IN A OF F IC E O F STATE HUM AN RESOURCES
Third Quarter 2019
Open Enrollment set for Nov. 2-19 State Highway Patrol marks 90th anniversary Travel reimbursement rates updated
Meet the Secretary Eric Boyette Department of Information Technology
Message from T HE
DIRECTO R While North Carolinians anxiously tracked Hurricane Dorian, countless state and local government employees were working around the clock to ensure that those in harm’s way had the services and resources they needed to stay safe. Our gratitude for their exceptional service is beyond measure. Governor Roy Cooper and state leaders – among them, N.C. Emergency Management, State Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation – led a vast team dedicated to warning people of potential risks and ways to protect themselves and others as the deadly storm approached our coast. While impacts for many were not as severe as with Hurricane Florence, parts of our state will need considerable help to recover. State employees can make a difference by volunteering their time and talent to nonprofits that serve local communities. Talk with your supervisor about using Community Service Leave to support neighbors in need. VolunteerNC can connect you with nonprofits engaged in recovery efforts, as well as other organizations across North Carolina that would benefit from your skills and service.
Barbara Gibson
Another way to help is through participation in the State Employees’ Combined Campaign. Please support SECC activities at your agency to help nonprofits that help North Carolinians, as well as charities with global outreach. The Office of State Human Resources administers the NCFlex pre-tax insurance program and will introduce a new benefit during open enrollment, Nov. 2-19. The Combined Short Term-Long Term Voluntary Disability product is a supplement to the State Disability plan that will provide up to 66 2/3% of income to eligible employees. Watch for a booklet and online resources to detail this and other benefits. In closing, I would be remiss in not pointing you to this month’s Meet the Secretary profile of Eric Boyette. I am not a tech savvy person and am so grateful to the many Department of Information Technology professionals who keep our devices working and our processes safe. Learn about Secretary Boyette’s early fascination with technology and how he is leading DIT during a period of unprecedented growth and change.
Barbara Gibson, Director Office of State Human Resources
Human Resources
Q
I’ve heard about people hacking into systems to change payroll banking information. How can I be sure that my state agency paycheck won’t be misdirected?
We’re here to assist you by answering your human resource questions and concerns.
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The Office of the State Controller (OSC) updated its systems in July to further protect your data. To ensure that banking change requests through the Employee Self Service area of the Integrated HR-Payroll System are valid, OSC will contact the state employee by U.S. Mail and email to confirm that the request is intentional and not fraudulent behavior.
Please email them to the.resource@nc.gov, or contact your agency Human Resources Office.
Q
The Governor’s Executive Order No. 92: Employment First for North Carolinians with Disabilities calls for making state agencies more inclusive of people with disabilities. Are there resources for helping agencies to achieve this?
If you did request a change to your bank account information, no further action is needed and the change will be made in 14 days. If you did not request the change, contact Best Shared Services immediately at 919-707-0707 or 866-622-3784. OSC asks that you not make any changes in the system prior to contacting Best Shared Services. It is important to leave the data untouched so analysts can track any suspicious behavior.
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The Diversity & Inclusion section of the Office of State Human Resources can assist state agencies and provides a wide scope of diversity recruitment resources for state agencies and as well as private sector employers, ranging from women in STEM to veterans, LGBTQ, Native American and Hispanic/Latino resources. Regarding jobseekers with disabilities, the list includes both state and national organizations that advocate for people with disabilities, including those that offer tips for submitting applications, preparing for interviews and providing workplace accommodations.
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Nov. 2-19 Open Enrollment Set for State Health Plan, NCFlex State employees may change their health insurance options during the upcoming open enrollment period, Nov. 2-19.
Open enrollment will be compressed this year, making it even more important to plan ahead and take timely action if you wish to make changes in your coverage. Detailed brochures and online resources will be provided in advance of open enrollment, but here is a quick look at some of the changes and new products that will be available to eligible state employees.
Dental Plan
Dental coverage will be expanded from two to three choices. The new option is called the Classic plan and it serves as a “middle� level choice between the continuing High and Low options. Members currently enrolled in the High plan will default to the Classic plan unless they choose another option.
HIGH OPTION
CLASSIC OPTION
LOW OPTION
Deductible $50/$150 (Individual/Family)
$25/$75
$25/$75
Annual Maximum $5,000
$1,500
$1,000
Preventive Services
100%, no deductible
100%, no deductible
100%, no deductible
Basic Services
80%, deductible applies
60%, deductible applies
50%, deductible applies
Major Services
50%, deductible applies
50%, deductible applies
N/A
Orthodontia Services 50%
50%
N/A
Orthodontia Lifetime $1,500 Maximum
$1,500
N/A
Reasonable and 80% Customary Percentage
70%
70%
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NCFlex Health Care Flexible Spending Account
The NCFlex Health Care Flexible Spending Account allows a slightly larger pre-tax election amount for 2020 - $2,700, compared to $2,650. Note that both the employee and spouse can use the plan, regardless of whether the spouse is on the employee’s health plan. This fund may be used to pay for: • Medical out-of-pocket costs • Dental out-of-pocket costs • Vision out-of-pocket costs • Everyday health products such as bandages, sunscreen, braces, contact lens solution and many other items. Unused funds of $25 up to $500 may be rolled over into the following year’s fund balance.
Combined Short Term-Long Term Voluntary Disability Product
NCFlex added a new Combined Short Term-Long Term Voluntary Disability Product. This is a supplement to the State Disability plan and will provide up to 66 2/3% of income to eligible employees. The new plan is not dependent on an employee’s years of service and will maintain coverage until the member is eligible to retire. It includes up to $25,000 for adaptive work needs and covers maternity the same as any other disability. The plan is composite rated, meaning the premium is based on the employee’s salary and age.
TSERS* MEMBERSHIP DISABILITY PERIOD CREDIT
TSERS DISABILITY INCOME PLAN
Less than 1 year Duration of disability
No benefit 66 2/3% of monthly salary up to $12,500 $12,500
1 to 5 years 1st year of disability
50% of monthly salary up to $3,000, following 60-day elimination period
1 to 5 years
Beginning 2nd year of No benefit disability and continuing for duration of disability
5 years or more 1st year of disability
50% of monthly salary up to $3,000, following 60-day elimination period
5 years or more Beginning 2nd year of 65% of monthly salary disability and continuing up to $3,900 for duration of disability *Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System
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VOLUNTARY SUPPLEMENTAL DISABILITY PLAN
Total income protection equal to 66 2/3% of monthly salary up to $12,500, less the TSERS benefit 66 2/3% of monthly salary up to $12,500 Total income protection equal to 66 2/3% of monthly salary up to $12,500, less the TSERS benefit Total income protection equal to 66 2/3% of monthly salary up to $12,500, less the TSERS benefit
These scammers may claim that the suspension is due to fraudulent or criminal activities. They can even spoof their number so that your caller ID shows the call coming from the SSA’s real number (1-800-772-1213), and they’ll ask you to verify your SSN. This is not the SSA or CMS calling. These scammers are especially active during the Medicare Enrollment Period. They may call you pretending to have information about Medicare enrollment, when in reality they are simply trying to steal your Social Security number.
HANG UP ON Social Security Scammers Your Social Security Number (SSN) is one of your most important pieces of personal data. That’s why
Here’s what you should know about this scam: • These calls can be very stressful – take a minute and verify what’s happening so you don’t share personal information or act out of panic. Hang up and call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 or contact them online at https://www.ssa.gov/. If you suspect the scammer is targeting you as a Medicare enrollee, call 1-800-MEDICARE to report the activity. • Never give any part of your Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers to anyone who contacts you. • The SSA will never call to threaten your benefits or ask you to send money via a wire transfer or a gift card. If you receive a call like this, report it to the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or by filing a complaint online. ____________________________________________
it’s understandably frightening when someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) calls to tell you that your SSN has been or will be suspended.
Provided by the Department of Justice.
Fall Miles for Wellness Challenge Starts Sept. 23 It’s time to register for the fall Miles for Wellness: Challenge 20. State employees in all agencies and locations are encouraged to join this team wellness program, which assigns points to walking, running and many other forms of healthful activity, including your gym routine. The eight-week activity begins Sept. 23 and concludes Nov. 17. The theme of Challenge 20 is The Moonlight Trail. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon mission, participants will log their weekly activity and make their way through a virtual tour of museums across the U.S. dedicated to space travel. The Moonlight Trail begins at Durham’s Museum of Life and Science “Aerospace” exhibit and concludes at the N.C. Museum of History in downtown Raleigh for its interactive exhibit “The One Giant Leap: North Carolina and the Space Race.” Whether you create your own team or join one at your agency, be sure to sign up at https://oshr.nc.gov/stateemployee-resources/benefits/wellness/miles-wellness/miles-wellness-challenge-20 and get active for good health. For questions or more information, contact MilesforWellness@nc.gov or 919-807-4800.
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It’s Important For North Carolina That Everyone Is Counted in Census 2020 The data collected from the U.S. Census helps determine political representation for our state and the amount of federal tax dollars invested in our communities. Census data helps decide how more than $16 billion in federal funding gets used each year. By completing the 2020 Census, you will help: • Determine the number of representatives in Congress for North Carolina • Allocate federal funds in North Carolina • Establish the boundaries for voting and school districts • Provide information needed to improve schools, roads, health care, emergency response and other services in your community. Learn more about the 2020 Census and what you can do to make North Carolina count at census.nc.gov. For more information, or to join the NC Census Listserv to stay informed, visit https://census.nc.gov/.
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After
NO RTH CARO L I NA’S RE S CUE E F F O RT S
Hurricane Florence Recognized with International Award
North Carolina has received a special commendation from the Higgins & Langley Memorial Awards in Swift Water Rescue for the coordinated local, state and federal response to Hurricane Florence in 2018, when responders rescued and evacuated more than 5,200 people. Photos provided by N.C. Emergency Management.
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the water and in the air, during the Hurricane Florence response,” said State Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry. “These teams train constantly and their capability and professionalism shines through in all their responses.”
he awards for excellence in swift water and flood rescue were presented in June during the annual conference of the International Association of Water Rescue Professionals in South Bend, Indiana. The awards acknowledge individuals and swift water rescue teams that use specialized technical rescue to save lives, increase awareness about the need for swift water and flood rescue training, promote worldwide training standards of certification, and inspire other agencies to develop viable water rescue programs.
Established in 1993, the Higgins & Langley Memorial Awards honor Earl Higgins, a writer and filmmaker who lost his life in 1980 while rescuing a child who was swept down the floodswollen Los Angeles River, and Jeffrey Langley, a Los Angeles County firefighter, paramedic and swift water rescue pioneer, who lost his life in a helicopter incident in 1993.
“This award recognizes great work by our local, state and federal water rescue teams, both in 8
North Carolina Emergency Management organizes the state’s search and rescue programs including swift water, wilderness, helicopter and mountain teams by providing oversight, training and funding.
State and local emergency response personnel were positioned in advance of Hurricane Florence making landfall just south of Wrightsville Beach on Sept. 14. The storm produced extensive wind damage, ripping apart structures, downing thousands of trees and causing widespread power outages across Eastern North Carolina. Record-breaking storm surge and rainfall caused catastrophic flooding.
N.C. Emergency Management organizes the state’s search and rescue programs including swift water, wilderness, helicopter and mountain teams by providing oversight, training and funding. Highly trained swift water rescue teams are positioned across the state, in addition to the North Carolina Helicopter and Aquatic Rescue Team (NCHART) which combines swift water rescue technicians with helicopters for rescues by air.
The state’s rescue teams were supported in Hurricane Florence response by FEMA swift water rescue teams from several states and by U.S. Coast Guard resources based in North Carolina and elsewhere.
The swift water rescue teams are comprised of personnel and equipment from local public safety agencies across the state that train to meet national standards and can be deployed anywhere within North Carolina or across the country. NCHART combines aircraft and pilots from the N.C. State Highway Patrol or N.C. National Guard with many of the swift water rescue technicians to extricate people trapped in trees, rooftops or other precarious locations.
This marks the third time North Carolina has received an award from the Higgins & Langley organization. The state received its top honor for Outstanding Achievement previously – in 2005 after swift water rescue teams saved more than 1,110 people during Tropical Storms Frances and Ivan, and in 2017 after crews rescued more than 2,300 people during Hurricane Matthew.
North Carolina’s search and rescue capabilities were were created in 1996. After Hurricane Fran, N.C. Emergency Management recognized the 9
need to develop an inventory of available teams with basic rescue capabilities. The asset proved to be extremely valuable three years later during Hurricane Floyd in 1999 when responders rescued hundreds of victims from flooded homes, cars, rooftops and trees. Floyd’s rescue operations highlighted the need for specially trained and equipped teams that could safely rescue those trapped in floodwaters or swift water conditions.
Since then, the swift water/flood rescue teams and NCHART teams have become some of the state’s most activated specialized emergency response resources. ____________________________________________
By Keith Acree, Public Information Officer for N.C. Emergency Management in the Department of Public Safety.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month Throughout October, the Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) encourages all state agencies to recognize in National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. Held annually, the observance is led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, but its true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level across the nation every year. Employers of all sizes and in all industries are encouraged to participate in NDEAM.
THE
RIGHT TALENT, RIGHT NOW National Disability Employment Awareness Month
In additional to the resources available directly from NDEAM, OSHR’s Diversity and Inclusion section provides a wide scope of diversity recruitment resources online in support of Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 92: Employment First for North Carolinians with Disabilities. All efforts play an important part in fostering a more inclusive workforce, one where every person is recognized for his or her abilities — every day of every month. #NDEAM | dol.gov/odep
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Flag The Hazard the state’s new workplace safety initiative, was successfully launched in June by the Safety, Health and Workers’ Compensation Division of the Office of State Human Resources with support from safety personnel at all state agencies. Timed to coincide with Governor Roy Cooper’s proclamation of June as Safety Month in North Carolina, the inaugural campaign featured a coordinated series of outreach and education events led by agencies to help employees learn about the new campaign, how to minimize the risk of workplace injury by eliminating hazards, and how to use the new online reporting tool for situations they could not correct on their own. More than 200 reports were filed in the tool during the month of June, with more than half of the situations resolved within seven days. “We are grateful to participating agencies for promoting workplace safety as a core operating principle,” said SHWC Director Scarlette Gardner. “With continued support from agencies, we are optimistic that even more injuries will be prevented, and fewer workers’ compensation claims filed, as a direct result of Flag The Hazard.” State employees who observe potential workplace hazards are encouraged to report them through the online Flag The Hazard reporting tool at hazards. nc.gov. Employees also may contact their agency workplace safety contacts to report concerns.
SHWC Team Expands OSHR’s Safety, Health and Workers’ Compensation team is again fully staffed. With more than 11 years of direct experience, Heather Banta started on June 26 as the State Safety and Health Manager. This marks Banta’s return to state government, where she previously served as Assistant Safety Programs Director at the Department of Health and Human Services. She also worked as Senior Director of Facility Operations at a large active adult community in the Triangle and as Safety/Industrial Hygiene Specialist at Emory University. Banta earned a master’s degree from Emory University with a major in Public Health/Environmental Health. She attended James Madison University obtaining her undergraduate degree in Biology.
The next day, SHWC welcomed Cathy Pope as State Workers’ Compensation Manager. Pope previously worked at the Department of Justice, where she held the title of Assistant Attorney General since 2013. She represented the State of North Carolina in workers’ compensation litigation, mediation and appeals at all levels including the N.C. Industrial Commission to the Supreme Court. Pope earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Barton College and a juris doctorate from UNC-Chapel Hill.
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Gun Safety Executive Directive Strengthens Background Check System “I am pleased to report that in North Carolina over the last 14 months, more than 284,000 convictions have been added to the federal background check system,” said Governor Cooper. “This improves the quality of every background check and helps keep guns out of the wrong hands.”
Photo by Paul Barker
Governor Roy Cooper signed a new gun safety Executive Directive on Aug. 12 at the Department of Public Safety’s School Safety Summit in Greensboro. In March 2018, Governor Cooper directed the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to undertake a comprehensive inventory of the quality of information North Carolina shares with the federal background check system known as National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). As a result of that work, 284,289 individual instances of criminal convictions that had previously been unreported in the NICS database have now been added.
The Executive Directive to improve firearm safety requires state agencies to close crime reporting gaps between state and federal agencies. It also calls for expanded firearm safety education. “Recognizing that the odds are long for our current legislature to make real changes, today I signed an Executive Directive to my cabinet agencies to build on the work we’ve done to this point,” added Governor Cooper. “Wishing, praying, and sending condolences alone just aren’t enough to prevent these tragedies. We have to take action.”
The Governor’s Executive Directive includes the following: Strengthening Background Check System and Protections from Domestic Terrorism (SBI Directives) • The SBI is directed to continue the work begun by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Working Group to close information gaps where the
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state should be sharing information with NICS. Convened by Governor Cooper in 2018, the working group identified and rectified these gaps to strengthen the safety net provided by firearm background checks. • The SBI will also provide Behavioral Threat Assessment training to local law enforcement agencies to help local law enforcement connect these individuals identified as a potential risk to harming others with supportive community services. • The SBI will increase the North Carolina Information Sharing and Analysis Center’s outreach to businesses and community groups in order to build community awareness of domestic terrorism indicators. Improving Public Health and Incident Response (DHHS Directives) • The directive orders the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to promote safe storage of personal firearms. • DHHS and the Division of Emergency Management will develop guidance for local governments to help share information and reunite loved ones in the wake of a mass shooting or other major incident. • DHHS will also convene a coalition of suicide prevention stakeholders to update the state’s Suicide Prevention Plan.
FACTS ABOUT FIREARM FATALITIES As of Aug. 12, there has been more than one mass shooting a day in 2019, including one at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte on April 30 that left two dead and four wounded. • On average, 1,113 North Carolinians per year are killed by firearms, and a person is killed by a gun every seven hours in the state. • Firearms are the third-leading cause of death for North Carolina children, and in just two years, at least 672 children and teenagers in North Carolina visited a hospital for a firearmrelated injury. • The annual cost of gun violence in North Carolina is $7.4 billion – which is $754 per resident. • Suicide is the leading cause of firearm-related deaths in North Carolina, and nearly 57% of all suicide deaths in the state involve firearms. • 61% of North Carolina’s intimate – partner homicides involve a gun, and abused women are five times more likely to be killed if their abuser has a firearm. For a fact sheet on the Executive Directive, click HERE.
Hometown Strong, Governor Cooper’s initiative to leverage state resources to benefit rural communities, recently marked its first anniversary with a new video presentation. Learn more about the program, which currently serves 28 counties, online. The video also may be viewed with Spanish subtitles.
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NCSHP Marks 90th Anniversary Celebration at State Capitol On July 1, 1929, after the General Assembly authorized the State Highway Patrol’s creation, 37 individuals took an oath of office and became North Carolina’s first state troopers. These Patrol members monitored miles of highway on motorcycles, enforcing motor vehicle laws and assisting the motoring public. Ninety years later, the State Highway Patrol includes more than 1,600 sworn members strong with additional civilian employees who provide telecommunications, medical or administrative support.
Members of the Highway Patrol, their families and other supporters gathered at the State Capitol on June 28 to celebrate the Patrol’s 90 years of service and commemorate their commitment to public safety.
Troopers patrol around 78,000 miles of roadways, more than any other state except Texas.
The celebration consisted of a formal ceremony inside the Old House Chamber, with an open exhibit across
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the Capitol grounds immediately following. Historic patrol cars, the SHP Caisson Unit, past uniforms and other memorabilia were on display. “The entire event was fun and informative,” said state employee Kelly Higgins. “My co-worker and I enjoyed the opportunity to walk around the Capitol grounds and view the
historic Highway Patrol vehicle and memorabilia displays. During the ceremony, Governor Roy Cooper, Public Safety Secretary Erik Hooks, Rep. Stephen Ross, NCDOT Board Chairman Michael Fox and Colonel Glenn McNeill Jr. spoke on the significance of the day and the progression of the Patrol during the last 90 years. “Ninety years of service is all about the patrol’s family, sworn and civilian personnel alike – sworn and civilian active, sworn and civilian retired,” said Colonel McNeill during his keynote address. “They are why our organization continues to flourish. Our people are our greatest assets.” Many recognized that the Patrol would not be where it is today without the bravery, determination and sacrifice of its members. Since the Patrol’s inception, 66 members have lost their lives in the line of duty. These members were honored through a moment of silence and candle lighting. Trooper D.C. Harrell, wounded in the line of duty earlier this year, was in full uniform for the first time since the incident. He received a standing ovation from those in attendance and has since returned to duty. The 90th Anniversary Celebration gave past Patrol members the opportunity to reminisce about their time on the Patrol, current members the chance to dive into the past, and North Carolinians the ability to connect with a piece of the state’s law enforcement history. _______________________________ By Kristen Barber, Digital Media Specialist with the State Highway Patrol. View all the photos from the 90th Anniversary Celebration on Flickr.
Funds Established TO SUPPORT
TROOPER INJURED IN THE LINE OF DUTY In response to state employees and others wishing to support Trooper Chris Wooten following the service-related injuries he received on July 22, two funds have been established to assist him and his family. The Christopher and Sharon Wooten Special Account has been established at the State Employees Credit Union. Those wishing to make a donation can do so by visiting any SECU branch. Donations also may be made through a GoFundMe account: https://www.gofundme. com/f/support-for-trooper-chriswooten.
Trooper Chris Wooten
Wooten was seriously injured as a result of a motor vehicle collision that occurred in Charlotte. Since the crash, Wooten has been hospitalized, receiving around-the-clock care. On Aug. 8, he was transported from Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte to Shepherd Rehabilitation Center in Atlanta, where he will continue his treatment process. Several members of the SHP Motor Unit accompanied Wooten to the airport. Other colleagues joined him and his family as they boarded the medically equipped airplane required for the flight. Members from the Georgia State Patrol’s Motor Unit were on site in Atlanta when the flight arrived and escorted Wooten’s transfer to Shepherd Rehabilitation Center. “The overwhelming amount of support offered by our law enforcement partners, medical staff, other first responders and the public is unmatched and truly expresses the appreciation for Chris’ law enforcement service,” said Colonel Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “I want to personally thank every person who has assisted the Wooten family thus far as I know they are extremely grateful.”
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M E E T
T H E
S E C R E T A R Y :
Eric Boyette 16
Eric Boyette
grew up on a farm in small-town Kenly that had been in his family for generations. While he enjoyed working the land, and especially, learning from his father and grandfather how to fix virtually anything and make friends with everyone, it was the gift of an Apple IIe computer 36 years ago that set him on a path of becoming the state’s Chief Information Officer. “My dad was a computer programmer and he got me one,” Boyette says, beaming at the recollection of its boxy 13-inch monitor, beige keyboard, external floppy disk drive and built-in cassette player, which made him the envy of his friends. He also scored a printer, a pricy add-on made possible by a charmed saleswoman who offered a deal if he promised to send her a thank-you letter.
Secretary Eric Boyette with his wife Dana (top left), son Jay (bottom left), and daughter Morgan (bottom right). Photo courtesy Secretary Boyette.
“I fired it up when we got home and started writing the letter right away,” Boyette recalls. “My dad told me I’d better. It was a big investment, but we got half off.”
administration in 1994. He gave computer sales and consulting a shot but gave it up to work with the Department of Transportation in Wilson.
Boyette advanced from one technology device to the other, starting with creating games on his Texas Instrument TI-99 and advancing to helping start up a new computer lab at Barton College, where he earned his degree in business
“Technology has been an important part of every role I’ve had with state government,” says Boyette, who spent 20 years at DOT, including a stint as Commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles, before shifting to DIT. He was appointed Secretary of the agency by Governor Cooper in Jan. 2017.
Describe your early years growing up on a family farm in rural Kenly. I was very fortunate in my childhood. I had great
A key phrase in my story is, I worked.
Secretary Eric Boyette with Sen. Jim Burgin during a tour of DIT’s Western Data Center on Aug. 23.
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parents who were very supportive. A key phrase in my story is, I worked. I did about everything under the sun. My grandfather and my uncle grew tobacco, corn and soybeans. My grandfather was the one who told me to go to college, get a degree and do something other than farm. Living and working with him, understanding the value of hard work, was very important to me. Anytime today, if we get to a stressful environment, I apply his lessons. I think about him all the time.
have banker’s hours. I have CIO hours, 24/7. It never shuts off, but that’s OK. To get paid to do what you love is a great bonus. Early in my career, I wondered if I was making a mistake going into a public sector role. After about five years, I realized I had more opportunities. To me, the benefit was who I serve. You can see the benefit of what we do to serve citizens. That’s rewarding.
Your career path has enabled you to connect with citizens statewide.
What did and do you love most about where you are from?
One of my favorite things now is Hometown Strong. I grew up in a rural community and I choose to live there with my family. I feel passionate about this program and using state resources to help our local partners. We want to make that investment and see a really great return.
It’s the family atmosphere of living in a small town. You have the great ability to touch people and help people. You can see the fruits of your labor – how you can benefit other families, and how partnerships work. I’ve always loved that and always will.
Who and what influenced you as a child?
Last year, I was in Edgecombe County talking about school supplies with (Department of Public Safety) Secretary (Erik) Hooks. He tells the kids, “Don’t worry. He’s going to give you all computers.” And he smiles that big smile of his and walks off. Well, we reached out to some nonprofits that help us with the homework gap. Our partners at the Kramden Institute worked with AT&T to supply refurbished PCs and we went back to Edgecombe County and handed them out.
My family really influenced me. My mother’s mother was very influential. She spoiled me. She would basically tell my parents, “Go on home and he’ll stay with me tonight.” She allowed me the opportunity to be loved and have that one-on-one time. It was great for me to have that experience with her.
Tell us about a favorite mentor. The one that really guided me the most early in my career was Tom Turnage, who was the Division Traffic Engineer out of Wilson. He was one of my first supervisors when I started with the state as a temporary employee. He really taught me about the value of public service, and the importance of what we do. It’s when I decided that would be my career. He challenged me to learn more and not narrow myself to what I saw at the time.
I get emotional thinking about this. These computers were for the kids to have; to take home. I started
I was one of the first computer technicians in our field. I’ve always been able to take different opportunities and mold them the way we needed them to be successful. I want to be sure that I leave my mark behind and make this job easier for the next person. Tom taught me that lesson.
What did you think you’d do with a business administration degree? At the time I was thinking I’d either be a financial advisor or I’d work at a bank. Maybe I should have stayed in that lane because I sure don’t
Secretary Eric Boyette assists a student at Fairview Elementary School with assembling the computer awarded to him through DIT’s partnership with the Kramden Institute on March 2, 2018.
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show this one little kid, he’s maybe 8, and he looks and me and says, “Am I dreaming?” It was all I could do to not laugh. It meant so much to him and he wanted me to know that he knew how to take care of it.
What are your hobbies? I love to go to the beach with my family, and also to the mountains. I tease the kids and make them unplug the Wi-Fi. We all need to do that now and then. It makes you spend time with your family. Our kids are 18 and 13 and they kind of go into shock when I do this, but an hour later we’re all out doing things together. We hike. We ride horses. We do all the things you can do without an electronic leash. That bonding time is very important. And fun.
Secretary Eric Boyette talks with RedHat CEO Jim Whitehurst during a fireside chat presentation at NC DIT’s We Are NC Gov 3.0 conference on May 21.
I did that at DMV, too. I would walk around and ask people what they do. After maybe 20 minutes they’d ask, “Well, who are you?” Then they’d realize I was the Commissioner and we’d have a good laugh. It drives me every day to see that people have what they need to be successful.
What is your favorite book? I really like “The President Is Missing” by James Patterson and Bill Clinton. Governor Cooper mentioned it to me at a Cabinet meeting. They tease me about not sleeping. He said, “After I read this book (with its theme of cyber terror and espionage), I understand why you don’t sleep a lot.” Now that I’ve read it, I don’t sleep at all.
What is your most complex issue for DIT and the State of North Carolina? Cybersecurity. There are things that motivate me, then there are things that keep me up at night. I want to make sure cybersecurity is a concern for the Governor, for the General Assembly, our municipalities and the people of our state as a whole. It’s about not working in silos and building partnerships that are good for the state. It’s about how we continue to defend our systems while we grow to always do more. We’re getting that message out and I’m proud of what we’ve done.
“The Open Organization” by Jim Whitehurst is very relevant to what we’re working on regarding culture change at the Department of Information Technology. It was a great book for me and my staff to read. I’m reading “That’s Rufus: A Memoir of Tar Heel Politics, Watergate and Public Life” by Rufus L. Edmisten.That’s very good so far.
What motivates you?
What is your mission as Secretary of the Department of Information Technology?
Honestly, it’s people, and it’s in two ways. I need to feel like I’m doing the service our residents deserve. And to do everything we can for our employees. We’re growing and building this agency. It’s something that we need to focus on and pay a lot of attention to.
For this agency and our state, I want North Carolina to be the leader in technology. It makes me proud when I meet with peers nationally and I can say what we’re doing in North Carolina. Our partnership with the vendor community is important. I tell them, there are two ways we can look at each other. You can be my partner, or you can be my vendor. That relationship has really helped us to move forward.
I try to spend a lot of time with our employees. (Deputy State Chief Information Officer and Chief Services Officer) Tracy Doaks says that I “go missing” on Fridays. She gets call from people saying, “Why is Eric in our area?” At first, they thought something had gone wrong. But I’m interested in getting to understand our people, which help me to drive this organization.
____________________________________________ By Jill Warren Lucas, Communications Director at the Office of State Human Resources. Photos by Mary-Alice Warren, DIT and Elaine Darby, OSHR.
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L A DY CA R D I N A L M E N TO R S H I P P R O G R A M :
High School Girls Learn About STEM Career Opportunities Within State Government of women in our state but will allow more families to achieve economic security, reduce the number of people in poverty and grow the state’s economy.” During the program, mentees were paired with Cabinet agencies, where they shadowed staff, observed program activities and learned ways they could connect STEM studies to state government careers. Mentees also worked on a research project based on Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order No. 80 addressing climate change and transition to a clean energy economy. The program concluded on Aug. 1, with presentations by mentees on how North Carolina can become a more sustainable state. Department of Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders gives words of encouragement to Lady Cardinal mentees during a reception at the Executive Mansion.
Secretary Sanders and Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Michael Regan joined other agency mentors and family members of each mentee at the N.C. Executive Mansion to hear recommendations ranging from alternative recycling practices to the use of more biodegradable products.
The Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program provides a foundation for North Carolina’s best and brightest students to explore interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Established this year by Department of Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders, nine girls from area high schools were selected to participate in the inaugural program.
For more information on the Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program, visit the NC Council for Women and Youth Involvement website for details.
The four-week mentorship opportunity seeks to improve North Carolina’s growing disparity in employment and earnings among women and men, particularly in STEMrelated fields. According to the 2018 Status of Women in NC: Employment and Earnings Report released by DOA’s Council for Women and Youth Involvement in collaboration with the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, eliminating occupational segregation in high-growth and high-paying careers such as engineering and information technology, will make for a better North Carolina today and tomorrow. “The Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program was created in an effort to address gender inequality in North Carolina and increase workforce development by offering training that goes beyond the classroom to prepare our youth for the future,” said Secretary Sanders. “Reducing occupational segregation in our workforce will not only improve the status
(From left) Layla Hamilton, Denette Thompson and Brooke Chow discuss the importance of preserving bees for a more sustainable state. Chow explained how bees are a crucial source for state crops and are essential to North Carolina’s agriculture and economy.
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Members of the inaugural class of Lady Cardinal mentees and their agencies are: • Zora Banks, a junior at Garner Magnet High School; Department of Military and Veteran Affairs • Marissa Colbert, a freshman at Cleveland High School; Department of Natural and Cultural Resources • Brooke Chow, a senior at Enloe Magnet High School in Raleigh; Department of Commerce • Taylor Davis, a sophomore at South Garner High School; Department of Administration
(From left) Marissa Colbert, Trinity Garza and Melissa Mavhura (not pictured) propose the use of biodegradable products for a more ecofriendly state. Marissa shared research with event attendees that supports the use of a non-plastic, renewable energy source.
• Layla Hamilton, a sophomore at Clayton High School; Office of State Human Resources • Trinity Garza, a sophomore at Golden Eagle Academy (homeschool); Department of Revenue • Melissa Mavhura, a senior at Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill; Department of Public Safety • Katherine Johnston, a senior at East Wake Academy of Lillington; Department of Health and Human Services • Denette Thompson, a sophomore at Clayton High School; Department of Transportation ____________________________________________
(From left) Mentees Taylor Davis, Katherine Johnston and Zora Banks suggest improvements to the state’s recycling infrastructure. Banks highlights the significance of the recycling industry in North Carolina, which supports more than 8,200 jobs statewide.
By Aldesha Gore, Assistant Communications Director at the Department of Administration. Photos by Jaycee Williams.
Lady Cardinal mentees join DOA Secretary and N.C. Council for Women and Youth Involvement (CFWYI) staff for a group photo at the Executive Mansion. (Top row, from left) Trinity Garza, Katherine Johnston, Brooke Chow, Zora Banks and Taylor Davis (Bottom row, from left) CFWYI Deputy Director Emily Roach, Layla Hamilton, DOA Secretary Machelle Sanders, Denette Thompson, Marissa Colbert and CFWYI Internship & Youth Coordinator Candace Dudley
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Locating Lost Life Insurance Policies or Annuity Contracts Review Personal Financial Records • Review the decedent’s records for insurance policy documents. If you find auto, homeowners or other policy documents, contact the insurance company to see if they issued a life insurance policy or annuity contract. • Examine the decedent’s financial statements for checks, receipts, or transactions involving life insurance companies. • Check the decedent’s incoming mail for insurance company premiums, claims, or other notices. Ask Financial Advisors, Agents, Attorneys, or Employers • Contact any known financial advisor, agent, or attorney to see if they advised on or were aware of any life insurance policies or annuity contracts. • Contact the decedent’s employer to determine if they had any group life insurance.
Losing a loved one can be one of the most heartbreaking and stressful times of your life. It may become more challenging if your loved one had a life insurance policy or annuity contract and you’re unable to locate policy documents or identify the insurance company.
Look for Unclaimed Property • Contact the state’s NCCash program at the N.C. Department of State Treasurer to identify any unclaimed money from life insurance companies.
If you are searching for a lost life insurance policy or annuity contract, consider the following: Lost Life Insurance Policy Locator The N.C. Department of Insurance (DOI) created the Lost Life Insurance Policy Locator to help consumers locate lost life insurance policies or annuity contracts purchased in North Carolina. Individuals who believe they are beneficiaries, as well as executors and legal representatives of a deceased person, can submit an online form or mail a completed form to DOI. These requests are forwarded to all North Carolina-licensed life insurance companies who are instructed to contact beneficiaries if a policy is located.
____________________________________________ This article was provided by the State Employees Credit Union.
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T R AV E L R E I M B U R S E M E N T :
Rates Updated State employees who are eligible for work-related travel reimbursement should note that the rates recently were
updated for the 2019-21 biennium.
Subsistence is an allowance for lodging and meal costs, including gratuities, as per NCGS 138-6. Travel status means being away from the employee’s normal duty station or home and, while traveling, the employee must be acting in his or her official capacity as required by his or her work activities. Note that each employee is responsible for his or her own request for reimbursement. Departure and arrival times must be listed for meal reimbursement, and meals provided as part of an activity are not reimbursable. However, an employee may be reimbursed, if requested, for breakfast even if their lodging establishment offers a free continental breakfast. Overnight travel must be approved by the employee’s department head or the designee prior to travel. Likewise, if the cost of lodging exceeds allowable rates, an excess lodging authorization must be approved in advance by the department head or designee.
Note that each employee is responsible for his or her own request for reimbursement.
Employees who travel by car should travel in the most efficient manner and at the lowest and most reasonable cost to the state. This includes use of state-owned vehicles or short-term rentals through state contract. If an employee is approved by their agency head or designee to use their personal vehicle for transportation, they will be reimbursed at the rate of .58 cents per mile for trips less than 100 miles. Travel beyond 100 miles will be reimbursed at the rate of .33 cents per mile. Mileage is measured from the employee’s duty station or point of departure to the destination (and return), whichever is closer. Parking fees, tolls and storage fees are reimbursable with required receipts. Fines for traffic and parking violations are the responsibility of the state employee. All travel reimbursements must be submitted to the employee’s business operations office within 30 days of travel. Pursuant to NCGS 138-6(c), requests for reimbursement shall be filed within 30 days after the travel period ends for which the reimbursement is being requested. For additional information, including travel to or from airport destinations, contact your agency’s business officer.
BREAKFAST LUNCH
DINNER LODGING TOTAL
In-State $8.60 $11.30 $19.50 $75.10 $114.50 Out of State $8.60 $11.30 $22.20 $88.70 $130.80 23
N ORT H CA ROL I N A OFFICE O F STATE HUM AN RESO URCES
BA R BA R A G IB S O N , Director, Office of State Human Resources JILL WA R R E N LUCAS, Communications Director E L A IN E DARBY, Public Information Officer
the.resource@nc.gov Design by Patricia Campbell | Cover photograph by Elaine Darby