North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) is pleased to welcome Kass Rhinehart as Human Resources Director. In this role, Kass will support NCOBS’s people, systems, and culture as the organization continues to grow and deepen its impact.  

As NCOBS’s Human Resources Director, Kass will oversee recruitment and retention, compliance, and the continued development of human resources systems and technology while supporting Access, Belonging, and Community initiatives. She leads with a relationship‑driven approach to human resources, grounded in trust and supported by effective systems and processes that ensure employees have the structure and resources they need to thrive. 

Kass brings extensive human resources experience across hospitality, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. Throughout her career, she has led human resources operations in complex environments, with responsibilities spanning employee relations, policy development, change management, and organizational systems improvement. Her work has focused on building clear, consistent processes, reducing operational silos, and strengthening the overall employee experience through thoughtful structure and support.  

Kass was drawn to NCOBS by its mission-driven staff, collaborative workplace culture, and commitment to growth through outdoor education. She is particularly interested in building relationships across the organization, developing a deeper understanding of how teams work together, and supporting the strong culture already in place. One of her personal goals while she begins her role is to get to know each staff member individually, whether in person or virtually, to learn about them, their role, and how their work contributes to NCOBS’s mission.  

“We’re delighted to welcome Kass to the NCOBS team,” says Executive Director Bea Armstrong. “Her breadth of experience in HR and HRIS, combined with her strong systems thinking, will be a great asset to NCOBS.” 

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Kass began her career in Northern Arizona after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern Arizona University. She holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification and is currently completing her Master of Science in Human Resource Management at Western North Carolina University.  

Kass relocated to Asheville three years ago, where she lives with her partner, two cats, and a dog. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, gardening, bikepacking, kayaking, and camping. She is passionate about supporting her community by shopping locally, participating in cleanup events, and engaging in community‑based initiatives that promote connection and sustainability.