Northwest Outward Bound School (NWOBS) is pleased to announce that Stephen Streufert has been named as our Interim Executive Director. Stephen comes to NWOBS with a long career in nonprofit leadership and a passion for Outward Bound. He first worked with Outward Bound as the base camp cook at the North Carolina Outward Bound School before becoming an Instructor. Over the next decade he continued work in the field as a Course Director and as Director of Staffing and Staff Development.
“To this day I continue to lean on the lessons of leadership that were forged in formative experiences with students and staff on the rocks, rivers, and trails of the Appalachians. It’s great to be back in an Outward Bound community, and I look forward to working closely with the board and staff as we seek to deliver exceptional student experiences,” Stephen said.
Stephen joins NWOBS at a critical time in our history. Outward Bound and numerous other wilderness programs for young people are facing a decline in student enrollment. “It’s vital that we delve into comprehending these trends and examine ways to impart the fundamental lessons of an Outward Bound experience on today’s youth,” Stephen said.
Support from our champions and thought leaders in the industry is critical during this transition. Stephen will be seeking collaboration from key leaders to reimagine our strategy and to inspire the next phase of growth for our school.
Student outcomes will guide decision making every step of the way. Access to Outward Bound programs has been limited for too long, and Stephen seeks radical access and exceptional experiences for students to guide our path forward. As the landscape of outdoor education continues to shift, Stephen will take a nimble and innovative approach to the future.
Stephen has 30+ years of experience as a nonprofit leader and fundraiser and is located in the Greater Seattle area. He joined NWOBS in mid-March and will serve in the interim role through the end of 2024.