The City of Durham announced on Mar. 23 that Richard Barbee has been named the new Technology Solutions director, bringing over a decade of executive experience in technology operations and digital transformation across public and healthcare organizations.
Barbee’s appointment is significant for Durham as he will oversee the city’s enterprise IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, strategic planning, and project governance. The role involves aligning technology systems with departmental needs and City Council priorities to ensure secure and reliable services for both residents and employees.
Barbee previously served as executive director and chief technology officer at Durham Tech Community College. There, he led major infrastructure upgrades, expanded IT services, and guided artificial intelligence initiatives while serving on the Executive Leadership Team. His earlier roles include IT Director III at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services where he managed a team of nearly 200 staff overseeing statewide technology strategies, including a $70 million electronic health records initiative.
He also held leadership positions at Granville Health System and UNC Health Care, directing large-scale modernization efforts such as cyberattack recovery operations completed within two weeks and an $84 million electronic health records rollout in just 18 months.
City Manager Bo Ferguson said Barbee’s experience makes him well-suited to lead Durham through its next phase of technological advancement. “Richard brings exactly the kind of forward‑thinking leadership we need right now,” Ferguson said. “He has a proven record of strengthening infrastructure, improving security, and delivering complex technology projects that support large, mission‑driven organizations. His experience leading high‑performing teams through modernization efforts will help us build a more resilient technology environment, improve the tools our employees rely on every day, and expand the digital services we provide to residents. We’re excited to welcome him to the City of Durham.”
Barbee holds degrees from Duke University with further education from Regis University and UNC School of Government along with certifications in artificial intelligence, Lean Six Sigma methodology, cloud services management, project management practices among others.
“I’m honored to join the City of Durham and excited to support the teams who keep this community running every day,” Barbee said. “Strengthening our technology systems, improving cybersecurity, and expanding innovative tools will be essential as we modernize 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.”
As cities increasingly depend on advanced digital infrastructure for public service delivery amid growing cybersecurity threats nationwide, appointments like Barbee’s highlight ongoing investments in municipal resilience.
