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Tom Kureczka, Chief Information Officer, City of Winston-SalemFor Tom Kureczka, Chief Information Officer for the City of Winston-Salem, technology isn’t just about systems, networks, or software—it’s about community. With over 47 years in the Information Technology (IT) field, Tom’s journey is a testament to the value of experience, mentorship, and a deep-rooted sense of service to others.
Kureczka’s entry into the world of IT was anything but planned. Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Tom envisioned a career as an FBI agent or Secret Service officer. It wasn’t until his senior year of high school, when he consulted his guidance counselor about his future, that the idea of a career in technology was introduced to him.
“I literally flipped a coin,” Kureczka laughs, recalling how the suggestion of computer science was a complete gamble.
In 1973, there were no fancy programming boot camps or tech-focused college prep programs. But with a knack for mathematics and a curious mind, Tom decided to pursue computer programming. He enrolled in a two-year school for programming before transferring to a four-year institution. His early career took him to Rochester, New York, where he worked for Bausch & Lomb in programming, and later to Richmond, Virginia, working for Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) during its peak years. It was at DEC, a tech giant of the ‘80s, that Tom honed his craft in IT, consulting with major corporations and government agencies.
But it wasn’t until 1985, when DEC offered Kureczka a job in Winston-Salem, that his roots truly took hold in this North Carolina city. “I came here with my family, and one of my first major clients was RJ Reynolds, the large tobacco company,” he reflects. This move to Winston-Salem marked the beginning of a career that would see him transition from a technical role into strategic leadership in public service.
After 18 years in the private sector, Kureczka made the leap into government work, joining the City of Winston-Salem in 1996. Now, nearly three decades later, he is the city’s CIO—a role he’s held since 2015. His career within the city has included positions as Applications Manager and Deputy Director, where he has played a pivotal role in ensuring that the city’s IT infrastructure supports the needs of both residents and local government operations.
“In the early years, I focused on picking the most athletic kids for my team. But later, I realized it’s not just about skills; it’s about effort and attitude. That’s what drives success”
Shaping a Secure and Future-Ready Government Ecosystem
Kureczka’s leadership as CIO has been deeply shaped by both his experiences in the private sector and his long tenure in public service. His view on government technology is clear: it must be secure, inclusive, and forward-thinking. In a role where digital transformation meets public service, Kureczka faces constant challenges, from cybersecurity threats to the integration of emerging technologies.
He is passionate about creating a digital government ecosystem that serves both the current and future needs of the community. A strong advocate for continuous learning, Tom remains committed to staying sharp, even as he nears the end of his career.
He notes, “I’m 69 years old, but I still like taking courses and learning. I have taken programs at the UNC School of Government, like the Public Executive Leadership and Municipal Administration programs. I want to keep evolving.”
Kureczka’s approach to leadership is rooted in his belief that mentorship and knowledge-sharing are integral to fostering an empowered and capable team. “At this point in my career, I feel it’s my turn to give back,” he says, looking back on the many mentors who have shaped him. One of the key elements that Kureczka emphasizes in his leadership style is the importance of attitude and effort when building a team. He compares managing his IT staff to coaching Little League baseball.
“In the early years, I focused on picking the most athletic kids for my team. But later, I realized it’s not just about skills; it’s about effort and attitude. That’s what drives success,” he shares.
This philosophy extends to his recruitment process, where Kureczka looks for individuals who are committed to building a career, not just holding a job. With 52 IT professionals on his team, he recognizes the value each person brings, not just in technical expertise but also in their drive and willingness to grow.
The Cybersecurity Crisis
One of the most defining moments in Kureczka’s tenure as CIO came on December 26, 2024, when the City of Winston-Salem experienced a significant cyberattack. The timing was devastating on the holiday, when many were on leave, the city’s systems were compromised. Hackers took down servers and locked up the city’s network, sending Tom and his team scrambling to respond.
“We had no ransom demands, but the situation was still critical,” Kureczka explains. “Our systems were locked, and we had to rebuild from scratch.”
With support from the FBI, Homeland Security, and North Carolina’s National Guard and Cybersecurity Strike teams, Kureczka and his staff worked tirelessly to restore services. In the end, no personal data or confidential information was exposed, and the city recovered more quickly than many expected.
“We were told by the State Agencies that they’d never seen a local government respond and recover so quickly,” Kureczka recalls proudly. The incident reinforced the importance of having robust cybersecurity measures in place and highlighted the resilience of his team. It also underscored the city’s commitment to safeguarding its digital infrastructure.
Community Engagement through Technology
Beyond securing the city’s digital assets, Tom is also focused on fostering a more inclusive and tech-savvy community. His work with nonprofits and local initiatives has played a crucial role in bridging the digital divide in Winston-Salem. Tom’s involvement with organizations like Winston Net, a collaborative effort between the city, Forsyth County, local universities, and health institutions, has been instrumental in providing digital access to underserved communities.
Winston Net has been working on digital inclusion initiatives for over two decades. As Kureczka notes, it was ahead of the curve, tackling the digital divide long before the COVID-19 pandemic made it a national conversation. “Before the pandemic, we were already working on making technology accessible to all residents,” Kureczka says. This initiative has provided resources like computers and internet access to local schools and recreational centers, helping children and adults alike gain essential tech skills.
During the pandemic, when many students were forced to transition to online learning, Kureczka and his team went into action. They provided devices to students in need and worked to improve broadband access in underserved areas. “I had one employee who had four kids at home trying to use the internet at the same time. Their bandwidth couldn’t keep up. It really showed us how vital digital access is,” he explains.
One of Kureczka’s proudest achievements during this time was securing funding from the City Council to help provide laptops and training to 1,600 residents, ranging from young children to senior citizens.
“We didn’t just hand out laptops,” he emphasizes. “We made sure people knew how to use them. We trained over 1,600 people in basic computer skills, from children to people in their 80s and 90s. It’s about giving them the tools and skills to participate in the digital world.”
Technology for Empowerment
One of the most exciting initiatives Kureczka is currently helping oversee is the creation of technology labs in local recreational centers. These labs are designed not only to provide access to digital tools but also to teach the next generation of creators and thinkers. One of these labs will be a music studio, where local students can create and produce music videos.
“It’s not just about learning to make music,” Kureczka explains. “It’s about learning the process of creating something from start to finish—how to organize, plan, and execute a project. It teaches them valuable skills for any field.”
Another lab will offer advanced training in areas like web development, cybersecurity, and .NET programming. “We want to give our young people the skills they need to succeed in today’s economy,” Kureczka says. “We’re not just building tech skills; we’re building confidence and resilience. The training will also become a feeder program into the local universities.”
His vision extends beyond these labs. He envisions a city where every citizen, from age five to 100, has access to a device and the skills to use it. “Can you imagine a community where every citizen has a computer, internet access, and the skills to thrive in the digital world?” Tom muses. “That’s the kind of future I’m working toward.”
A Legacy of Service
As Kureczka approaches retirement, he reflects on a career that has spanned nearly five decades. From his early days in Buffalo, where he first learned about the power of technology, to his work in Winston-Salem, where he has helped shape the city’s digital future, Tom’s journey has been about much more than technology. It has been about serving people and building a community that is empowered through technology.
“I’ve always tried to stay engaged with my community,” he says, reflecting on his involvement in various organizations and Boards. “I’ve tried to be aware of what’s happening around me, not just in terms of tech but in terms of what people need.”
In his role as CIO, Kureczka has never lost sight of the human element of technology. Whether it’s through the development of secure systems, the expansion of digital access, or the creation of new opportunities for the city’s youth, his work has always been centered on improving the lives of Winston-Salem residents.
“I’m at the stage of my career where it’s all about passing the torch to the next generation,” Kureczka says with a smile. “I’ve built a team, I’ve contributed to my community, and now it’s time for others to take the lead.”
Kureczka’s legacy is one of service, leadership, and an unwavering belief in the power of technology to transform lives. As Winston-Salem continues to evolve, his influence will be felt for many years to come, ensuring that the city remains a model of digital innovation, inclusion, and resilience for generations to come.
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