Day 6: MCNC strengthens future with impactful outreach, thought leadership
MCNC’s progress in 2025 can be directly linked to strategic outreach and thought leadership from our executive team. Throughout the year, MCNC leaders engaged at the state and national levels to advance broadband access, digital equity, cybersecurity, quantum readiness, and the future of public-purpose networks. Collectively, these efforts elevated MCNC’s mission, strengthened partnerships, and reinforced North Carolina’s position as a powerful voice and recognized leader in community-driven broadband.
Leadership on State and National Stages
MCNC President and CEO Tracy Doaks spoke and presented at several major broadband and technology events throughout the country this year, helping to shape the narrative within the industry nationwide.
Fiber Broadband Association
Tracy was as a featured speaker this summer at FC25 hosted by the Fiber Broadband Association, where she delivered on the importance of resilient middle-mile infrastructure, cybersecurity maturity, and equitable access for every community in North Carolina. Her remarks underscored MCNC’s unique public-purpose model and role in supporting community anchor institutions across the state while spotlighting the critical impact of uneven government funding in technology. Watch Video.
Broadband Communities Summit
In June, at the Broadband Communities Summit, Tracy expanded on MCNC’s approach to workforce development, rural connectivity, digital inclusion, and the importance of sustainable broadband strategies. Her participation brought national attention to MCNC’s efforts to support education, health care, public safety, and non-profit organizations with secure, high-quality digital infrastructure.
CEO Weekly and Featured Articles
Throughout the year, published articles featuring Tracy, press releases and other means of outreach highlighted issues impacting North Carolina’s digital future. These pieces offered insight into broadband policy, cybersecurity, quantum networking, and community engagement, helping stakeholders remain informed on emerging trends and developments. Visit Tracy’s CEO Corner to explore.
Leadership Across the Organization
Members of MCNC’s executive leadership team also provided expert insights at several notable events.
The Quilt
MCNC leaders presented at both the Winter and Fall Member Meetings this year hosted by The Quilt, the national consortium of research and education networks. Their sessions addressed innovations in secure networking, resilient statewide infrastructure, and the importance of public-purpose connectivity in supporting research, education, and health care communities. The Quilt’s first meeting for 2026 is scheduled for Feb. 4-6 in New Orleans, La.
SHLB Coalition
The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition is a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to closing the digital divide by promoting high-quality broadband for community anchor institutions. AnchorNets is SHLB’s annual conference in October that brings together broadband leaders from across the country.
MCNC leadership played a significant role at AnchorNets this year. Tracy participated in a fireside chat with FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, offering insights into federal policy, digital equity, and the critical role of middle-mile networks in closing connectivity gaps. She also contributed to a panel discussion on rural health care, highlighting the essential connection between secure, reliable broadband and the delivery of modern medical services across underserved communities. Others from MCNC also presented on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, sharing lessons learned on network resiliency, emergency response, and the importance of coordinated recovery efforts. Together, these contributions underscored MCNC’s commitment to serving the public good and advancing broadband as a tool for economic, educational, and community resilience.
MCNC Community Day
MCNC Community Day in November brought together partners, clients, and stakeholders from across the state. The event featured demonstrations, cybersecurity briefings, discussions on network modernization, and first-hand stories from anchor institutions. This bi-annual event once again reinforced MCNC’s mission and provided a valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration – we’re already looking forward to 2027!
Supporting CAIs in NC
Our outreach efforts are based on our daily commitment to the thousands of schools, universities, libraries, health care providers, public safety agencies, and nonprofits that rely on our services. Through technical briefings, regional visits, consultations and community engagements, MCNC helped strengthen cybersecurity readiness, modernize networks, and deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of North Carolina’s communities.
A major focus this year was raising awareness of the persistent challenges in broadband equity and rural connectivity. Whether speaking at national conferences or engaging local leaders, MCNC’s leadership emphasized the importance of affordable, high-quality broadband for education, health care, and economic mobility. These efforts helped reinforce why equitable access to secure, reliable broadband remains essential for a strong and prosperous North Carolina.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The momentum of 2025 places MCNC in a strong position for the year ahead.
In 2026, the organization will continue to prioritize:
- Innovation in cybersecurity, cloud, and network services
- Exploration and readiness for quantum technologies
- Expansion of the middle-mile network to reach more communities
- Broader support for rural and economically distressed regions
- Continued advocacy for digital inclusion and equitable connectivity
MCNC remains dedicated to serving North Carolina with excellence and advancing the technology infrastructure that supports the institutions shaping the state’s future. The progress achieved this year reflects the combined efforts of the entire organization and those we serve. As we conclude 2025 and look forward to 2026, MCNC remains focused on building a stronger, more secure, and more connected North Carolina.
