Katherine James, MA, SHRM-SCP, serves as Chief Human Resources Officer at Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS). She joined the organization in June 2024 and brings extensive experience in human resources leadership across nonprofit and mission-driven organizations.

In her role at WNCCHS, Katherine leads human resources strategy and operations in support of the organization’s mission. Her work includes talent acquisition, onboarding, professional and leadership development, retention, regulatory compliance, succession planning, and benefits strategy and administration. She is committed to building strong teams and fostering a workplace culture that supports both staff and the communities WNCCHS serves.

Katherine has served as a change leader in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, including healthcare, federal government, financial services, hospitality, and consumer products. She has led complex organizational initiatives from strategy through implementation, with a focus on strengthening systems and improving outcomes.

Prior to joining WNCCHS, Katherine served as Chief Human Resources Officer at Eliada Homes, a nonprofit organization serving children and youth. She also held roles in organizational development and communications with the City of Asheville and served as Director of Business Intelligence and Analysis at The Biltmore Company. Earlier in her career, she held consulting and leadership roles supporting large-scale organizational and system changes in both public and private sector settings.

Katherine is active in the community and serves on the board of the Asheville Art Museum and on the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s Women for Women grant selection committee. She is also involved with Hands and Feet of Asheville. In addition, she has developed and taught courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.