Who we are
HTI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the digital divide by providing refurbished laptops to individuals and communities in need. We believe access to technology is a fundamental tool for education, employment, and empowerment.
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what we do
We acquire used but functional laptops, convert them into reliable Chromebooks, and distribute them to students, job seekers, and partner organizations. Through community engagement, corporate partnerships, and fundraising, we ensure that technology is accessible to those who need it most.
Our Impact
By repurposing donated devices, we reduce e-waste while equipping individuals with the tools to succeed in an increasingly digital world. Our efforts not only support personal and professional growth but also strengthen communities by fostering opportunity and inclusion.
Our Mission
HTI exists to bridge the digital divide by providing individuals with technology to achieve their educational and career goals.
WHY CHROMEOS FLEX
HTI uses Google ChromeOS Flex because it is a highly secure, fast, and modern operating system (OS) that runs on almost any hardware. Formerly known as Cloudready, ChromeOS Flex garnered immediate attention as an operating system created by Google to give its users a way to turn old, slow computers into fast, reliable devices.
ChromeOS Flex can be used to refresh older devices with a modern OS and extend their lifespan to reduce e-waste. Devices boot quickly, don’t slow down over time, and update in the background, reducing device downtime. ChromeOS Flex is also energy-efficient, which is good for the planet. It’s a smart and green choice for everyone!
Meet our Leadership
Matt is focused on setting the vision for HTI to follow and funnels his efforts into leading the fundraising portion of HTI. Without donations, without the help of generous and giving people, HTI wouldn’t be where it is today; and without Matt, HTI would be at a standstill developmentally. Matt started HTI officially in January of 2019 and obtained the 501(c)(3) status in July of 2019. The driving motivation for Matt’s work is to make a difference and help somebody that is in need of assistance, equipping them with the proper tools and resources to be successful. Matt’s goal is to see students and adults have equal opportunities to learn and be successful in their education or careers. In this spare time, Matt is a huge sports fan, and you can find him playing on the golf green, or coaching one of his kids on a sports team! He has a lovely wife and two children that inspire him every day to continue making HTI better every day.
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Steven Chais has held a professional capacity in the travel and hospitality industry for over twenty years. Most recently, he has enjoyed his position as a Sales Manager for Carnival Cruise Line. Throughout the years, he has served various non-profit organizations, which include, but are not limited to, Toys for Tots, Boy's and Girl's Club of Broward County, Broward Cops and Lobsters, Kids in Distress, and Camillus House. Steven is a South Florida native, but in late 2018 relocated his family to Wake Forest, North Carolina, for a change of scenery. In his free time, you can find him coaching his son’s soccer team or simply spending quality time with his loved ones. Steve is excited to be a part of HTI and looking forward to bringing his diverse experience to an already thriving organization.
Patrick Newcomb is a Henderson, NC native. He has been in the IT and Cyber Security field for 25+ years. He operates Cyberplex Technologies LLC with his wife and staff in Henderson, NC. He started his Technology career in High School and achieved a Bachelor's Degree in Business Education / Information Technology from East Carolina University. Founding Newcomb Tech in 2008, he rebranded to Cyberplex Technologies in 2023. He has a passion for giving back to the community's small and medium sized businesses to help them grow through technology to further grow the communities.
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As an employee of Duke Energy, Don has served in the positions of Revenue Recovery, Non-Climbing Service Work and Electrical Field Service Technician. Mr. Williams presently serves as a Reliability and Power Quality Engineer for Duke Energy. Mr. Williams has over 20 years experience in public relations, public speaking and customer service. He also has extensive knowledge in community outreach as a result of his background in theological and career-focused activities. Because of his community outreach service, Mr. Williams has become acquainted with many local proprietors in both Vance and Granville counties. Professionally, Mr. Williams has excelled in team-building exercises, problem-solving, critical thinking and innovative business strategies. He is proud to be a board member of HUBZone Technology Initiative (HTI) and excited about collaborating with co-members to increase HTI’s presence in our local communities and beyond. Mr. Williams has expressed a personal commitment to the success of HUBZone Technology Initiative.
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Rob is a technology, sales, and channel executive at Google with documented success in identifying opportunities and creating demand. Based in the Triangle, he and his son both work with HTI, helping to bridge the digital divide.
Peter J. Nowak is senior technology executive with over 30 years of experience leading IT strategy in healthcare, higher education, and non-profit environments. He currently serves as Senior Director of IT Operations at KIPP Foundation, where he aligns technology with mission goals, strengthens cybersecurity and compliance, and delivers cost-effective digital transformation across the organization. Peter has led enterprise system integrations, built high-performing teams, and implemented responsible AI and data governance frameworks. His prior leadership roles include Shaw University, the UNC School of Medicine, Easterseals PORT Health, and Lockheed Martin. He holds a Master of Science in Educational Computing and 2 undergraduate degrees in business disciplines, and brings a pragmatic, mission-driven perspective to nonprofit board service.
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Born and raised in Wake Forest, NC, Blake Mattis has built his career around service to his customers, his colleagues, and his community. After managing a bakery where he learned that the right ingredients matter, Blake brought that mindset into banking, beginning his financial career in 2023. Now rooted in Vance County, Blake is committed to playing an active role in the community. As Branch Manager at Carter Bank & Trust in Henderson, he is known not just for managing relationships, but for building them, often going above and beyond to support local businesses and nonprofit partners, whether or not they are clients of the bank. He is also an engaged member of the local Chamber of Commerce and serves as a Brand Ambassador for Carter Bank. Blake has organized and supported a variety of charitable initiatives, including technology recycling events, clothing drives, and meal distributions—each designed to serve those in greatest need. He brings energy, heart, and a problem-solving mindset to everything he does, and is always looking for new ways to enrich the lives of those around him.
Meet our Team
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Recent Technology Donors
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