Asheville, NC — North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) is pleased to welcome Liz Snyder as the Director of Program Growth and Innovation. This new role reflects the School’s bold vision for sustainable growth and deepened community impact.
Liz will lead the launch of the Program Growth and Innovation Department. As a major milestone in NCOBS’s strategic plan, this newly established team is committed to piloting innovative programs, increasing the accessibility of wilderness experiences, and expanding the number of students who experience the power of Outward Bound annually.
Liz brings a rich background in outdoor education, program design, and strategic leadership to NCOBS. Most recently, she spent five years at REI, first as Field Supervisor where she designed and launched REI Experiences in the Asheville market, and later as Southeast Regional Manager overseeing program operations across the region. Prior to her work with REI, Liz spent eight years with Eagle’s Nest Foundation, where she led marketing and enrollment efforts to increase the number of campers served by the organization. Between chapters of her career, Liz pursued adventure and service by thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, traveling the country by van, and participating in the Granite Gear Groundskeepers program, where she embraced stewardship by cleaning up litter on public lands.
“We are thrilled to have Liz join the NCOBS Team,” says Bea Armstrong, Executive Director. “Her depth of experience in the outdoor industry coupled with her passion and love of Outward Bound make her the perfect fit for this new position at NCOBS.”
Liz’s connection to Outward Bound runs deep. At sixteen, she completed her first course in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The transformational experience shaped her leadership, resilience, and love for the outdoors. Inspired by that journey, she is passionate about helping others discover the best versions of themselves through outdoor adventure. “Now, 25 years later, it feels like life has come full circle,” Liz shares. “I’m grateful to contribute to a mission that continues to challenge, empower, and inspire, just as it did for me all those years ago.”
A North Carolina native, Liz resides in Asheville with her wife, their yellow lab Sunny, and three chickens. She continues to find joy in the outdoors through gardening, mountain biking, and exploring the trails of Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests.
