Our chapter
An ethical forum, run entirely by volunteers.
AFCEA North Carolina exists so that the people who defend the nation and the people who build its technology can talk to each other honestly — before a requirement is written, not after.
Mission
What we do
AFCEA North Carolina is a non-profit chapter of AFCEA International, the professional association connecting people, ideas, and solutions across the defense, homeland security, intelligence, and information technology communities.
Our chapter serves a membership concentrated around Fort Bragg — home to the Airborne and Special Operations communities — and extending across the Sandhills, the Triangle research corridor, and the coastal installations. That geography gives the chapter an unusual mix in the room: operators, program managers, contracting officers, university researchers, and small business owners all at the same table.
A trusted table
Everything the chapter runs is built on a simple rule: this is a forum, not a sales floor. Government speakers can describe real problems without being pitched. Industry can ask clarifying questions without a protest risk. Academia can find the research problems that actually matter to the mission. That neutrality is the chapter’s most valuable asset, and the board protects it deliberately.
How we operate
The chapter is manned by an all-volunteer staff. No one draws a salary. Luncheon fees, sponsorships, and donations cover event costs, and the surplus goes straight into the education mission — more than $95,000 to STEM grants, scholarships, and ROTC programs in 2025 alone.
- Monthly luncheons featuring government and industry speakers
- Technical training sessions and professional development
- IT Days and technology expositions at Fort Bragg
- The flagship NC Innovation Summit and co-located career fair
- Small business engagement and matchmaking
- Emerging Leaders and Women in Technology programming
- Mentorship for transitioning military and government professionals
Chapter membership is managed here, not nationally
AFCEA North Carolina runs its own membership program. Dues are paid to the chapter, member records are held by the chapter, and you renew through your account on this site. A national AFCEA membership is separate and is not required to join us.
The chapter mark — the AFCEA wordmark carried on the outline of North Carolina.
Chapter at a glance
- Affiliation
AFCEA International - Membership
Administered by the chapter - Status
501(c)(6) non-profit chapter - Primary region
Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, and the Sandhills - Extended region
Raleigh–Durham, Greensboro, coastal NC - Staffing
100% volunteer
Committees
Where the work actually happens
Committees are open to any member in good standing. Most meet monthly and welcome new volunteers at any point in the year.
Programs & Events
Plans the monthly luncheon calendar, recruits speakers, and runs event logistics for IT Days and the Innovation Summit.
STEM & Education
Reviews educator grant and scholarship applications, coordinates with school districts, and manages ROTC support.
Membership
Recruits and onboards new members, manages the chapter roster, and runs the new-member welcome track.
Sponsorship & Small Business
Builds sponsorship packages, supports corporate members, and runs the small business engagement program.
Communications
Runs the website, newsletter, and social channels, and coordinates media and photography at chapter events.
Join us
Bring your seat to the table.
Membership is open to government, military, industry, and academic professionals across North Carolina.