President: Amber Wing (UNC Chapel Hill)
Amber Wing serves as the Assistant Director of Student Staff Training and Development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she oversees the design, coordination, and implementation of comprehensive training programs for student staff within Carolina Housing. In her role, Amber focuses on cultivating student leadership, enhancing experiential learning, and promoting professional and personal growth among Resident Advisors and other student leaders.
With a background rooted in residential education and student development, Amber is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging learning experiences that empower students to lead with confidence and authenticity. She works collaboratively with colleagues and campus partners to ensure that training initiatives align with departmental goals and the broader mission of student success at Carolina.
Originally from Windham, Maine, Amber enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, sharing great food and conversation with loved ones, and finding new local spots for iced coffee.. Contact me at president@ncho.org.
President- Elect: Therésa “TK” McKire (UNC Greensboro)
Therésa “TK” McKire believes that every person was born with the ability to change someone’s life and works each day to never waste such an opportunity. She is a proud mom, wife, educator, believer, world traveler and overall fun-loving mover and shaker from the beautiful Sunshine State of Florida. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Florida Gulf Coast University and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University and now works as the Associate Director for Residential Experience at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She works tirelessly to support others to be the change in the world and engulf themselves in their passions. Contact me at president-elect@ncho.org
Past President: Zachary “Zach” Short (Wake Forest University)
Zachary Short is a Community Director at Wake Forest University. Zachary is excited to serve NCHO as the President to help build stronger bonds across the state, work toward continuing to sustain the organization and propel it into the next 50 years. When he is not at work, you can most likely find Zachary taking his dog, Koda, on walks or out on the golf course. He also enjoys hiking, camping and hanging out with friends. Contact me at past-president@ncho.org.
Business Manager: Nadia Sharpe
Nadia is a North Carolina native, born in Raleigh and raised in Greensboro. She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she earned a degree in Organizational Communication with a minor in Sociology. Nadia has a deep passion for people, all things organization, and the creation and refinement of systems. This passion fuels her love for cultivating community and designing engaging, meaningful experiences.
Outside of her professional interests, Nadia enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising, and reading. She is a huge Marvel fan and loves exploring creative and artistic outlets. In her downtime, she enjoys cooking and trying new restaurants throughout the Carolinas. Contact me at business@ncho.org.
Communications Coordinator: TBD ()
Contact me at communications@ncho.org.
Technology Coordinator: Travis Smith (Fayetteville State University)
Travis Smith is the Associate Director of Residence Life at Fayetteville State University. He is excited to have the opportunity to assist NCHO’s growth and continued service to the state. He graduated from the University of West Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in professional counseling, college student affairs. He moved to North Carolina In March of 2022 and has worked previously in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. When he is not working he enjoys spending time with his wife Katie and sons Caleb and Wyatt.
Contact me at technology@ncho.org.
Assessment Coordinator: Yahira Robinson (UNC Greensboro)
Yahira Robinson is a Coordinator for Residence Life at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she oversees the day-to-day operations and supports the holistic living experience of a first-year residential community. She is passionate about taking a person-first approach in all she does, genuinely caring about those around her, their goals, and the impact they can make in life. Yahira is also a proud UNCG alumna, earning a Master of Education in Student Affairs Administration and two Bachelor’s degrees – a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the university, in addition to an Associate in Arts degree from Guilford Technical Community College.
Professionally, Yahira focuses on building meaningful connections, fostering community, and creating experiences that support and empower others. She is passionate about storytelling as a tool to connect, share experiences, and inspire growth within the residential life community. She is excited to serve as Assessment Coordinator for NCHO, contributing to the growth and development of housing professionals across North Carolina.. Contact me at assessment@ncho.org
Professional Development Coordinator: Tabi Zarazinski (UNC Chapel Hill)
Tabi Zarazinski currently serves as a Community Director at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Management from the University of Northern Iowa and her Master of Science in College Student Personnel from the University of Rhode Island. Tabi is excited to contribute to NCHO through her role in Professional Development, focusing on the growth, networking, and empowerment of housing professionals across the state. Passionate about creating spaces for connection and continuous learning, she looks forward to fostering opportunities that inspire collaboration and community. Outside of work, Tabi enjoys spending time with her two cats, baking, reading and expanding her ever-growing bookshelf, and traveling back home to Iowa to spend time with her family, especially her four nieces and nephews. Contact me at prodevo-chair@ncho.org.
Annual Conference Chair: Zach Johnson (UNC Chapel Hill)
Zach Johnson currently serves as a Community Director at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and serves as the Annual Conference Chair for the North Carolina Housing Officers (NCHO). He is enthusiastic about engaging with housing professionals as NCHO strives to foster collaboration and provide ongoing support.
Zach holds a BA in Music Education from Southern Wesleyan University and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending UNC athletic events (Go Heels!), and spending time with his cat, Milo. He also enjoys listening to music, cooking, and playing various board, card, and video games. Contact me at conference-chair@ncho.org
Annual Conference Chair Select: Hallie Bowen (North Carolina State)
Joy: a profound sense of happiness and pleasure, often stemming from positive experiences or achievements. Hallie Bowen aims to embody and find joy in everything she does. She believes everyone is a human first and job/role second. Hallie Bowen currently serves as a Residence Life Coordinator at North Carolina State University (NC State) and is pursuing an Ed.D in Community College Leadership from NC State. North Carolina is near and dear to her heart, and one of the best states to call home because of the humans who live here.
Before coming to NC State, she worked at Appalachian State University (University Housing) and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Athletics and Special Events). She holds a Bachelor’s in Public Relations and a Master’s in Higher Education, both from Appalachian State University. What brought her into higher education and student affairs, and what keeps her here, is the human aspect. What is the impact of education on students? How can we create supportive spaces for students to show up as they are and to feel safe?
Outside of school and work, she has a spouse and a dog (Artemis) she loves very much. She spends her free time reading romance and fantasy novels, playing rugby, crocheting, finding great local coffee shops, and making pottery. Contact me at conference-select@ncho.org.
SEAHO Representative: Jacob Morton (North Carolina State)
Jacob Morton serves as a Residence Life Coordinator at North Carolina State University, where he oversees a first-year community primarily housing engineering students in the NC State Engineering Village. He believes that on-campus housing provides a unique opportunity to support residents at their highest highs and their most challenging moments. He approaches this responsibility with a commitment to delivering a preeminent residential experience.
Jacob earned both his Bachelor’s and Master of Social Work from NC State. He draws on this educational foundation to build intentional and supportive relationships with student staff and residents.
Outside of his work on campus, he enjoys attending conferences such as NCHO, SEAHO and the SL Drive-In to connect with colleagues across the state. Jacob welcomes conversations and connections at any conference he attends.
Contact me at ncstaterep@seaho.org.
SEAHO Representative Elect: Victoria Valdes (University of North Carolina Wilmington)
Victoria Valdes is the Assistant Director for Recruitment and Training at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Originally from Miami, Florida, she earned her Bachelor’s in Human and Social Development from the University of Miami and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University. She moved to North Carolina in 2024 and has previously worked in Florida, Texas, and New York. She is passionate about student development and creating engaging learning experiences for students and staff!
Outside of work, Victoria is a proud cat mom who enjoys musical theater, K-pop, watching anime, and visiting Disney parks around the world!
Senior Housing Officer (SHO) Representative: Vollie Barnwell
Vollie Barnwell begins his 27th year in North Carolina Higher Education as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of North Carolina Asheville. In addition to serving as part of the senior leadership team for Student Affairs, he oversees Housing & Residence Life and Student Affairs Facilities & Operations. In his role, Vollie enjoys mentoring, coaching, and developing student and staff leaders for today and tomorrow.
His unique background in higher education started as a live on professional in residence life transitioned to a leader in facility management and now combines his experience and strengths in each aspect where partnerships and collaboration are critical. Strategic planning, project management, and new student initiatives are among the favorite parts of Vollie’s schedule these days.
When not at UNC Asheville, Vollie enjoys spending time with his wife and trying to keep up with their four kids, being in the outdoors, officiating high school and college sports, and managing his backyard chicken flock. Go Bulldogs! Contact me at SHOrep@ncho.org
New Professional and Graduate Student Representative: Kiara Chapman (Fayetteville State University)
Kiara Chapman is a Housing Conference Coordinator Specializing in Budget and Finances for the Department of Housing and Residence Life at Fayetteville State University. As a proud Alumna of Fayetteville State University and current graduate student in the Department of Business Administration, it gives her immense pleasure to assist young professionals such as herself, with development in all areas as they matriculate through their chosen career paths as others have guided her to become successful. Kiara enjoys being a sports mom as she cheers on her three sons to victory in basketball and football. Her motivation comes from being a picture of success for her sons as she shows them daily that they can have everything they want as long as they have a strong work ethic, show up as a team player, and uplift each other during the process. Contact me at npgsrep@ncho.org
Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Representative: Erica White (North Carolina Central University)
Erica White serves as the Associate Director for Residential Life at North Carolina Central University. Erica will be serving as the Historically Black College and University Representative for NCHO. She is excited about the executive position as she enjoys collaborating with others in the field and wants to pursue a plan to advance the resources and needs of HBCUs through NCHO. Erica believes that life is for living and that it should be enjoyed all the time. While Outside of work, Erica enjoys women’s basketball, baking and baking competitions, spending time with family, and anything that involves a holiday! Contact me at hbcu@ncho.org.
Small College & University (SCU) Representative: Ivy Barefoot (Davidson College)
Ivy Barefoot serves as the Associate Director of Residence Life at Davidson College, where she is passionate about creating inclusive communities in which students feel supported, valued, and truly at home. She approaches her work with care, empathy, and a deep belief in the power of belonging. Ivy earned her Master of Education from James Madison University and her Bachelor of Arts from University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Outside of her professional role, she is a busy and grateful mom of twin boys, whose artwork displayed in her office reflects the creativity and joy they bring to her life each day.
Contact me at small-college-university@ncho.org.