North Charlotte Today

Markell Storay, the Chief Technology Officer and Innovation & Technology Director for the City of Charlotte, has had an impressive career in the field of technology and public service. With his background as a United States Air Force veteran and previous experience in the federal government as an IT director, Storay brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his current role.

As the CTO, Storay leads an organization that delivers information technology products and services for both internal and external stakeholders. This includes overseeing enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, enterprise architecture, strategy and budget, and the enterprise project management office. He also provides technology oversight for the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, public safety, Charlotte Area Transit System, and Charlotte Water.

When asked about his role as a civil servant, Storay expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to align his professional expertise with helping the citizens of his community. He values the autonomy he has been given to build out functions that will take organizations to the next level. One of the strategic efforts that Storay and his team are currently addressing is cybersecurity, ensuring that the right tools and safeguards are in place to keep the organization safe.

Another important project that Storay is responsible for is the implementation of the Workday enterprise resource planning platform, known as the WorkSmart project. This unified business transformation aims to streamline operations, drive data quality, and improve decision-making.

When asked about his favorite part about working for the City of Charlotte, Storay highlighted the opportunity to build a strategic technology roadmap and work alongside talented professionals who are all dedicated to doing the right thing. Each day presents new opportunities to challenge the status quo and identify areas for improvement and change.

In observance of Black History Month, Storay was asked about a black leader he admires. He chose Muhammad Ali, not only for his accomplishments as a notable heavyweight champion of the world but also for his influential actions that impacted social change. Storay particularly admires Ali's unwavering resilience in the face of challenges and his commitment to equality, even when it was unpopular or misunderstood.

In his personal life, Storay shared his preference for breakfast or brunch, mentioning Stir and Snooze as his favorite restaurant in Charlotte. He also recommended Eddie V's, Dressler's, Dean's (JW Marriott), and Paco Tacos as other great dining options in the city.

Markell Storay is a dedicated leader who brings a unique blend of technology expertise and a passion for public service to his role as the Chief Technology Officer and Innovation & Technology Director for the City of Charlotte. Through his strategic efforts, he is working to ensure the safety and efficiency of the city's technology infrastructure, while also driving positive change and improvement.