Jenna Wood
Circleville
Summary
Strategic higher education leader with expertise in community and government relations, grant development, and workforce partnerships. As Executive Director of Community & Government Relations and Director of the Ohio Christian University Business Innovation Center, fosters collaboration with university leadership, elected officials, and business partners to advance initiatives and enhance community engagement.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director of Community & Government Relations
Ohio Christian University
Circleville
01.2023 - Current
- Lead government relations, community engagement, and strategic partnership initiatives for Ohio Christian University.
- Serve on the President's Cabinet and collaborate with senior leadership on institutional priorities and strategic planning.
- Identify, develop, and manage federal, state, foundation, and private grant opportunities.
- Coordinate relationships with elected officials, economic development organizations, community leaders, and workforce partners.
- Lead congressional funding requests, state appropriations efforts, and external stakeholder engagement.
- Represent the university on community boards, committees, and regional initiatives.
- Assist in developing workforce development, leadership development, and student success initiatives.
- Support the launch and growth of the Center for Executive Leadership and other strategic university initiatives.
Executive Director, Ohio Christian University Business Innovation Center (OCUBIC)
Ohio Christian University
Circleville
01.2023 - Current
- Directed operations and community engagement efforts for the Ohio Christian University Business Innovation Center.
- Developed partnerships with entrepreneurs, business leaders, economic development organizations, and community stakeholders.
- Managed tenant relations, contracts, events, and operational activities for the innovation center.
Development Specialist
Pickaway Progress Partnership (P3)
Circleville
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Led countywide economic development, workforce development, and community engagement initiatives.
- Worked closely with business leaders, local governments, educational institutions, and economic development partners.
- Managed strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and organizational operations.
- Advanced workforce and talent development initiatives across Pickaway County.
Office Manager, School of Business & Business Innovation Center
Ohio Christian University
Circleville
01.2012 - 01.2021
- Managed day-to-day operations for the School of Business and Business Innovation Center.
- Oversaw budgets, financial reporting, purchasing, and administrative operations.
- Coordinated major university programs including the Distinguished Speaker Series, Business Plan Competition, Wall Street Experience, and Washington, D.C. Experience.
- Supported faculty, students, and academic advising efforts.
- Managed community partnerships and business engagement initiatives.
- Coordinated events, scheduling, travel logistics, and stakeholder communications.
Creator & Instructor, Trailblazer Leadership Program
Ohio Christian University
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Designed and taught an experiential leadership course focused on government, business, education, nonprofit, and community leadership.
- Coordinated weekly field experiences and networking opportunities with regional leaders.
- Developed curriculum focused on leadership principles, community engagement, and professional development.
Adjunct Instructor, First Year Experience
Ohio Christian University
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Taught courses designed to support student transition, engagement, and success in higher education.
- Guided students through academic planning, campus resources, leadership development, and personal growth.
Executive Producer
The Faith & Liberty Talk Show
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Managed guest scheduling, production planning, communications, travel logistics, and social media.
- Coordinated content development and broadcast operations.
Campaign Coordinator
Dave Garrison for U.S. Congress
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Coordinated campaign events, community outreach, and volunteer activities to enhance constituent engagement.
- Supported fundraising and communications initiatives to strengthen community relationships.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Ohio Christian University
Skills
- Government Relations
- Community Relations
- Strategic Planning
- Economic Development
- Workforce Development
- Higher Education Administration
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Partnership Development
- Project Management
- Budget Management
- Event Management
- Fundraising
- Board Relations
- Public Speaking
- Leadership Development
- Communications
Board And Community Leadership
- Board Member, Pickaway County Airport Authority
- Board Member & Secretary, Pickaway County Visitors Bureau
- Board Member, Pickaway Leadership Fellows
- Member, Pumpkin Show Public Relations Committee
- Leadership Pickaway Graduate, Class of 2018
Timeline
Executive Director of Community & Government Relations
Ohio Christian University
01.2023 - Current
Executive Director, Ohio Christian University Business Innovation Center (OCUBIC)
Ohio Christian University
01.2023 - Current
Development Specialist
Pickaway Progress Partnership (P3)
01.2022 - 01.2023
Creator & Instructor, Trailblazer Leadership Program
Ohio Christian University
01.2019 - 01.2020
Adjunct Instructor, First Year Experience
Ohio Christian University
01.2018 - 01.2020
Office Manager, School of Business & Business Innovation Center
Ohio Christian University
01.2012 - 01.2021
Executive Producer
The Faith & Liberty Talk Show
01.2012 - 01.2015
Campaign Coordinator
Dave Garrison for U.S. Congress
01.2012 - 12.2012
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Ohio Christian University