President: 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@ncho.org.
President- Elect: 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 president-elect@ncho.org
Past 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 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: TBD
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: Jordan Buie (Duke University)
Jordan Buie (she/her/hers) is the Coordinator for Apartment and Suites Communities at Duke University, now entering her fourth year at Duke after serving as the Residence Coordinator for Edens Quad. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, she holds a B.A. in Communication from the University of Maryland, College Park, and an M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University. Jordan is excited to continue finding ways to encourage housing officers in North Carolina to find ways to continue learning outside of the classroom!
In her free time, Jordan enjoys morning walks, staying active, traveling to visit family, and diving herself into all things book related. Don’t hesitate to ask her about her favorite book she has read over 100! 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: Kayla Wood (Duke University)
Kayla Wood is a third-year Residence Coordinator at Duke University. She serves two upper-class communities while also chairing her institution’s Student Staff Learning and Development Committee. She received her Master’s in Divinity from Duke University and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Public Policy from Florida State University. Kayla is a Florida native, so while she is a Blue Devil by trade, she can still be found rooting for FSU when the two schools meet head-to-head. She is an avid women’s basketball and college football fan, loves going to the movies with her wife, and enjoys being outside with her dog Alfie. If you ever want to chat, Contact me at npgsrep@ncho.org
Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Representative: TBD
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.