Kara Wood

Until 2022, Trustee Kara Wood served as Associate Vice President at Western Michigan University (WMU), where she also chaired the University’s COVID-19 Response Coordination Team during the pandemic. A proud alumna, she has a deep connection with WMU, having earned her Master’s degree in Public Administration from the institution. In October 2024, she was honored with an Alumni Achievement Award from the College of Arts and Sciences, recognizing her significant contributions.

“I know firsthand that Western Michigan University is a special place that offers a remarkable education to students, both inside and outside of the classroom,” says Wood. “The University also is a crucial contributor to the vitality of the region and the state of Michigan. I am thrilled and honored to now serve the University as one of its fiduciary leaders, and I am grateful to Gov. Whitmer for this opportunity.”

With over 20 years of experience in economic and community development, Trustee Wood currently leads the not-for-profit organization Grand Action 2.0. In this role, she spearheads initiatives to identify and support transformational capital-intensive projects in downtown Grand Rapids and its surrounding neighborhoods. Her work involves developing strategies to secure public and private sector support for these projects.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Trustee Wood is actively involved in various community boards, including the African American Arts and Musical Festival Board, Great Lakes Commercial Capital, and the Michigan Community Capital Board of Directors. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Michigan State University and is a certified economic developer. Her favorite book is Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, and she defines success as "harmony."