When a computer won’t start, a device won’t work, an employee can’t access a program or a major event needs internet service, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services turns to its Information Technology Support Help Desk Team. That’s the team that helps ensure the department employees have the technology needed to do their jobs and serve North Carolinians.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler recently recognized that team with the department’s 1st Quarter 2026 Excellence in Team Accomplishment Award.
The award honors teams that demonstrate exceptional teamwork and service in support of the department’s mission.
The eight-member team includes Todd Langley, David Mitchell, Jason Reed, Walter White, Tim Sarpolus, Jeff Wheat, Charles Baines and Dylan Poythress.
“These employees play a critical behind-the-scenes role that supports employees and operations across the entire department every single day,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said during the award presentation on May 27. “Their work ensures that staff across all divisions can stay connected, productive and responsive in serving the people of North Carolina.”
Over the past year, the Help Desk Team has balanced a heavy workload while supporting some of the department’s largest events and initiatives.
The team was responsible for setting up and maintaining technology systems used during the Got to Be NC Festival, Mountain State Fair and N.C. State Fair. Those events rely on dependable internet, computer and communications systems to operate smoothly.
At the same time, team members have worked through a department-wide effort to replace aging computers. Over the past year alone, they have set up more than 300 new computers as part of the department’s transition to Windows 11. Those updates will help maintain security and compliance standards.
Krystal Moody of the Information Technology Division nominated the team, and according to her nomination, the team focused heavily on improving how they responded to employee needs. They reduced response times, solved more problems during the first interaction with employees and increased user satisfaction. She also wrote that one of the team’s greatest strengths is a willingness to work together. Team members routinely share knowledge, help one another solve problems and step in wherever needed to make sure issues are resolved quickly.
“The Help Desk Team has consistently demonstrated an exceptional cooperative spirit and a strong sense of unification,” Moody wrote. “They communicate openly, share knowledge freely and step in to assist one another without hesitation — ensuring that no issue is ever faced alone.”
The nomination also noted that the team’s collaborative approach has helped maximize state resources by improving workflows and reducing downtime. Their work has also extended the life of technology equipment through preventative maintenance and proactive support. All of that helps keep the department running smoothly, whether employees are working at the state fairgrounds, in laboratories, at research stations, in county offices or in the field.
Troxler said that work has had a direct impact on the department’s ability to serve citizens across North Carolina. It clears the way for services that North Carolinians need.
“By keeping critical systems running, they help support divisions involved in forestry operations, inspections, law enforcement activities, emergency response efforts and many other public services people depend on every day,” Troxler said.
Although most people may never see the work being done behind the scenes, department leaders say the impact is felt across the department.
“This team exemplifies what it means to be reliable, innovative and service-driven,” Moody wrote in the nomination. “Their behind-the-scenes efforts are the backbone of our daily operations, and their impact is felt across every corner of the organization.”