TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Teena Piccione

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Teena Piccione’s journey from a small-town upbringing to the forefront of global tech transformation is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to empowering others. With over 25 years in the tech industry, Teena currently serves as secretary of the N.C. Department of Information Technology and North Carolina’s state chief information officer. Prior to assuming this role in January, she served as a senior director at Google, where she revolutionized the Core division, blending operational excellence with bold, forward-thinking strategies.

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Teena has not only shattered glass ceilings, but paved roads for others to follow. Her mission is clear: to create a legacy that empowers future leaders, particularly women in tech, by removing the barriers she once faced.

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Early in her career, Teena was often met with skepticism. As one of the few women in the room, she had to work harder, think smarter, and adapt faster to prove her worth. This determination was forged during her youth, where she honed her mechanical skills in her father’s shop, dismantling and rebuilding cars—an experience that taught her to solve problems differently and never back down from a challenge.

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Teena’s approach to leadership is grounded in empathy and collaboration. As a former advisory council member for Vation Ventures, a former board member for Cloud Girls, and a mentor to students and professionals, Teena is relentless in her efforts to nurture talent. She works with universities such as Campbell and NC State, judging innovation competitions, mentoring engineering teams, and helping mid-career professionals level up through initiatives like TechLX. Her work with Cloud Girls reflects her passion for philanthropy. Under her leadership, the organization has provided certifications, funded initiatives like Brown Girls Who Code, and supported Dress for Success, equipping women with tools to thrive in their careers. At Google, she extended this mission to middle schools, teaching coding and showcasing the creative fun of technology.

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Teena credits her parents, who never had the opportunity to attend college, for instilling in her a relentless work ethic and a drive to succeed against the odds. “As a girl, you’ll always have to be one second smarter, one second faster, and think differently than everyone else,” her father told her—a mantra that has guided her career.

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Today, Teena is a model of inspiration, guiding the next generation to see opportunities where others see challenges. Her story proves that with grit, vision, and a commitment to uplifting others, the future of tech is brighter than ever before.

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Teena Piccione
N.C. Department of Information Technology Secretary and State Chief Information Officer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teenapiccione/