Chris Butts

Chief Information Officer

City of Chapel Hill

Chris Butts is a strategic and innovative technology leader with 15 years of local government experience in driving digital transformation and delivering business value through technology. As a seasoned CIO, Chris has a proven track record of leading high-performing IT teams, managing complex projects, and implementing cutting-edge solutions to meet organizational goals.

With a strong background in IT strategy, cybersecurity, GIS, and data analytics, Chris has successfully led digital initiatives across both county and municipal government. He excels at working with government leaders and stakeholders to create and implement technology strategies that meet business goals and deliver value to residents.

Chris holds a master’s degree in Geospatial Information Science & Technology from North Carolina State University and a bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of North Carolina. Chris also holds several notable certifications, including Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), GIS Professional (GISP), and Professional Land Surveyor (PLS). He serves as the conference vice chair for the North Carolina Local Government Information Systems Association (NCLGISA).

When not at his desk, Chris enjoys spending time with his family in the garden, going on hikes, and is an avid fan of UNC basketball.