TS Staff
The primary mission of the Technology Solutions Department is oversight of technology planning, operations, and cybersecurity for the Town, helping the Town make the best possible use of available technology. The Department manages all Town computers, telephones, mobile devices, and data network systems. The Department collaborates with other Town departments and partners in the selection, management, and cybersecurity related to on-premises and cloud-based databases and systems.
- Chris Butts, CIO & Technology Solutions Director
IT Operations Solutions Architecture and Applications Geographical Information Systems Information Security
TS Staff Bios
Chris Butts
CIO & Technology Solutions Director
Chris joined the Town of Chapel Hill in 2022 after previously serving in local
government for 13 years.
Chris graduated from UNC–Chapel Hill with a BA in Geography and Psychology where he first realized that Chapel Hill was a special and unique place. He then went on to obtain a Master of Geospatial Information Science and Technology at NC State University.
He started his career as a GIS professional and later shifted into the field of information technology. Chris primarily enjoys working with departments to better understand their needs and goals to help figure out the best technology solutions.
| Functional Areas | Technology Solutions |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams or Email |
| Location | Town Hall 3rd Floor, Office 313 |
Janelle Bailey
IT Manager, Solutions Architecture & Applications
Janelle joined the Town of Chapel Hill in 2018. In her current role as the IT Manager of Solution
Architecture and Applications at the Town of Chapel Hill, Janelle brings over 25 years of experience
in software procurement, programming, application development, and analytics. In Chapel Hill,
Janelle is a leader for data advocacy. As a member of the Analytics, Open Data, and Communications teams,
she is passionate about using data analytics to discover, bridge, and communicate actionable intelligence.
You will often here her say "Teamwork makes the dream work."
| Functional Areas | Solutions Architecture & Applications |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams or Email |
| Location | Town Hall 2nd Floor, Office 212 |
Chase Barnard
GIS and Analytics Manager
Chase been working as a GIS professional in various capacities for 25+ years and has
been with the Town as GIS Manager for the past 15 years. His primary professional interest
is promoting the adoption and use of spatial data and technology in such a way as to facilitate
better coordination, communication and decision making within Town government.
One of the things he likes best about working for the Town of Chapel Hill is the many ways GIS can be used to support the wide variety of services that the Town provides, from planning to public works to public safety to affordable housing. There’s always a new a challenge just around the corner and an opportunity to work with folks that are passionate about what they do. It’s a privilege to work with such a great group people every day.
Outside of work, Chase enjoys working out, catching a Carolina football game or a concert and spending time with his wife, Beth, and our dog Sadie. He has two grown daughters that are about to start their careers, and he hopes they are as fortunate in their professions as he has been in his career.
| Functional Areas | GIS & Analytics |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams or Email |
| Location | Town Hall 3rd Floor, Office 350 |
Chris Morris
Information Security Officer (ISO)
Chris joined the town in 2017 as the Systems Administrator. In 2022, he took the Information
Security Officer position.
He and his wife welcomed their new little girl in December of 2022. He enjoys tabletop games, dogs, and technology.
| Functional Areas | Information Security |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams or Email |
| Location | Police Department |
Barry Thompson
IT Operations Manager
Barry rejoined the Town of Chapel Hill in August 2023.
Barry served in the position of Senior IT Analyst for over ten years before he left the Town in 2019.
He has over 25 years in the IT field 18 of which have been in the federal and local government.
Barry enjoys spending time with family, tinkering around with anything IT related, reading, and following his favorite sports team the Philadelphia Eagles.
| Functional Areas | IT Operations |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams or Email |
| Location | Town Hall 2nd Floor, Office 201 |
Dave Almond
Senior GIS Analyst
Dave is the Senior Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Analyst in the GIS and Analytics Division of Technology
Solutions. In that role he employs data collection methods,
modelling, and analyses of the built and natural environments
to realize GIS-based solutions that meet geospatial intelligence
and operational needs across Town departments and
divisions.
| Functional Areas | GIS |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams or Email |
| Location | Town Hall 3rd Floor |
Todd Baron
Systems Administrator
Todd has been with the Town since 2019 and became the Systems Administrator in November 2022.
He enjoys anything involving Chapel Hill, especially Carolina basketball. He can be seen most times dining at Mediterranean Deli.
| Functional Areas | Systems Administration |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams/Email |
| Location | Town Hall 2nd Floor, Office 215 |
Carla Burnette
Administrative Coordinator
Carla has over 29 years of administrative, accounting and benefits experience.
She is a diverse professional with a wealth of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
She is Technology Solutions’ Munis Queen!
| Functional Areas | TS Administration |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams/Email |
| Location | Town Hall 2nd Floor, Office 212 |
How can I help you?
- Perpetual and Enterprise License Requests: Manage software licenses such as Adobe, Bluebeam, etc. If you are interested in obtaining a software license, please place a Boss Help Desk ticket for software request.
- Phone/Mobile Device Support and Request: Manage cellular devices (phones and iPads), Townwide phone bills, device upgrades and replacements, and device tracking
- Invoice & Contract Management: Manage invoices, purchase orders, and contracts for Town software.
Enoch Chan
Network Administrator
Enoch has been with the Town and Technology Solutions since 2012. He maintains the network infrastructure here.
| Functional Areas | Town Networks |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams/Email |
| Location | Library Ground Floor |
Alisha Cordell
Information Technology Business Analyst
Alisha joined Technology Solutions in August 2018. She has a long work history in
the Information Technology (IT) industry, including business analysis, project management,
and admin assistance.
She is an alum of UNCG, where she earned a BS in Business Admin, MA in Applied Arts and Sciences, and PBC in e-Learning Design & Development.
In her spare time, Alisha can be found at every powwow in North Carolina and Virginia.
| Functional Areas | TS Business Analysis |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams or Email |
| Location | Town Hall 2nd Floor, Office 212 |
Dennis Farmer
Senior IT Analyst
Dennis has been working for the Town since June 2021. Prior to that, he worked with the City of Durham and the UNC System Office.
| Functional Areas | IT Analyst |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams/Email |
| Location | Town Hall 2nd Floor, Office 215 |
Sharon Fisher
Senior IT Analyst
Sharon has a degree in Information Systems. She has been with the town since 2003.
She enjoys all activities that have to do with being outside especially camping, hiking, and kayaking. When she can’t be outside, she enjoys indoor rock climbing and Bible reading. She is an avid Tar Heel fan and enjoys cheering for any sport they are playing.
| Functional Areas | IT Analyst |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams/Email |
| Location | Town Operations Center 6850 Millhouse Rd, Building 1 |
Debra Fagan
Program Staff - Open Data
Debra Fagan serves an Open Data Assistant with the Open Data team. She lives with her
family in Chapel Hill and cares deeply about our town and about open data.
She has a background in computer programming and library science with a master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois, along with a bachelor's degree in computer science and an associate degree in Graphic Design.
Her work as a programmer, librarian and data curator helped prepare her for her current role with the Open Data team.
| Functional Areas | Program Support - Open Data Analyst |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams or Email |
| Location | Remote work from home |
Jeff Henighan
Information Technology Business Analyst
Jeff joined Technology Solutions in October 2023 after working in several technology centered
organizations as a Product Owner, Director of Training and Solutions Specialist.
He brings almost 20 years of technology, change management, and relationship management experience
to the Solutions team. As an alumnus of UNC Chapel Hill, he is keenly aware of how special this
town is and is excited to be a part of the team that is tasked with improving the necessary systems
to keep it running smoothly.
Originally an art major, Jeff still enjoys creative pursuits in Photography and Graphic Design, as well as Voiceover and Podcasting. On the weekends you can find him spending time with family, attending UNC sporting events, playing softball or running for exercise.
| Functional Areas | TS Business Analysis |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams or Email |
| Location | Town Hall 3rd Floor |
Michael Sudol
GIS Analyst II
Michael joined the Town in March 2017. He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2016 with a
Master of City and Regional Planning, during which time he also interned with the Town’s Planning Department.
Michael moved to his current role with Technology Solutions in February 2021, where he enjoys making maps and working with spatial data.
| Functional Areas | GIS |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams/Email |
| Location | Town Hall 3rd Floor |
Nicholas Volant
IT Analyst
Nick joined the town in May of 2023 after previously working with Retail, Education, Non-Profit
and Corporate customers for over 18 years. Having a background in fine arts and a long-standing
passion for technology and training, Nick has worn many hats professionally and looks forward
to growing his skills and supporting the Town and greater community.
Nick believes the benefits that technology resources bring belong to everyone equally and are important for a more sustainable and equitable future, and with his vision he wants to add his own experience to support the Town’s smart future.
Nick enjoys photography, painting, old computers, audio and video media, the outdoors, and retro gaming.
| Functional Areas | IT Analyst |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams/Email |
| Location | Town Hall 2nd Floor, Office 215 |
Seth Yachtis
Senior IT Analyst
Seth joined the Technology Solutions department in March 2016. He is a graduate of Juniata College
with a degree in Computer Science and has worked in IT for several different industries before
joining the Town.
| Functional Areas | IT Analyst |
|---|---|
| Phone | |
| [email protected] | |
| Preferred Contact Method | Teams/Email |
| Location | Police Department |
