The N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) is the administrative agency for the Judicial Branch. The NCAOC provides statewide support services for the courts, including information, technology, personnel, financial, legal, research and purchasing services. In addition, the NCAOC prepares and administers the court system's over $432 million budget and employs more than 400 people. The director of the NCAOC is appointed by the chief justice but has independent statutory responsibility for the administration of the court system. The assistant director is also appointed by the chief justice and serves as the administrative assistant to the chief justice.