Brooks Raiford Departed as NC Tech CEO
The longtime leader stepped down in April 2026 after 18 years at the helm of the North Carolina organization.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Remote Work
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Brooks Raiford concluded his 18-year tenure as CEO of NC Tech in April 2026. The organization, which represents approximately 650 member companies, has appointed Michelle Calton as interim CEO while it prepares a new five-year strategic plan.
Why it matters
The leadership change aims to provide new oversight for the organization's upcoming five-year strategic initiative. This transition follows a period of shifts in board composition for the association since the COVID-19 pandemic.
NC Tech reported $1.84 million in annual revenue against $1.6 million in expenses for 2024. Additionally, Brooks Raiford received $480,534 in total compensation during his final full year of service in 2025.
The players
Brooks Raiford
He served as the CEO of NC Tech for 18 years before stepping down in 2026.
Michelle Calton
She is the interim CEO who has been employed at NC Tech for over two decades.
Joan Smemoe
She assumed the role of board chair at NC Tech in July 2026.
NC Tech
This is a member-based organization launched in 1993 to support North Carolina's technology sector.
The details
NC Tech is currently undergoing a leadership transition process managed by interim CEO Michelle Calton, who has served at the organization for more than 20 years. The board, now led by chair Joan Smemoe, expects to reveal the details of the new strategic direction by the end of 2026.
Timeline
1993: NC Tech was launched.
April 2026: Brooks Raiford departed as CEO.
July 2026: Joan Smemoe became board chair.
August 2026: Michelle Calton sought member input on LinkedIn.
End of 2026: Expected disclosure of new strategic plan.
Market Landscape
The leadership transition reflects a broader shift as the organization pivots from its roots as the North Carolina Electronics and Information Technology Association to a modern enterprise. This realignment positions the group to better serve its 650 member companies in a changing digital economy.
Member companies can expect a change in the organization's advocacy and service priorities as the new strategic plan takes shape. This transition may affect how members engage with the association's roster of 75 annual events.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions are a critical moment for associations to realign their services with the current needs of their member base. Companies should monitor upcoming announcements to ensure their business interests remain represented in the new strategic framework.
What happens next
NC Tech expects to disclose its new five-year strategic plan before the end of 2026. Additionally, Brooks Raiford is expected to announce his future professional venture by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more information on state workplace trends, visit Remote Work.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business North Carolina.
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