The Board of Directors of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (“National VOAD”) is pleased to announce that April D. Wood has been named President & CEO of National VOAD, effective July 5, 2021.
Wood was selected as the next President & CEO of National VOAD following a rigorous national search, spearheaded by a Search Committee, comprised of seven members of the Board of Directors, in partnership with Koya Partners, an executive search firm that specializes in placing leaders in mission-driven roles.
Wood brings a deep passion for the mission of National VOAD and those affected by disaster. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the nation’s premier disaster relief and recovery organizations to foster collaboration; support diversity, equity and inclusion; and enable coordination to alleviate suffering caused by disasters,” said Ms. Wood.
Wood comes to National VOAD with nearly 20 years of non-profit experience leading national-level initiatives and cultivating executive partnerships. Most recently, Wood served as Senior Director, External Program Services, Disaster Operations for the American Red Cross National Headquarters.
“April brings to National VOAD a wealth of experience and the unique perspective of formerly serving as a National Member Representative, Board Member and chairperson of the Board. We could not be happier to have her lead National VOAD as we enter our next 50 years of improving effective delivery of services to all impacted by disaster,” said Board Chairperson Mike Manning.
National VOAD is a coalition of over 70 of the nation’s most reputable national organizations (faith-based, community-based, and other non-profit organizations) and 56 State/Territory VOADs, which represent Local/Regional VOADs and hundreds of other member organizations throughout the country. National VOAD promotes cooperation, communication, coordination, and collaboration, and fosters more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.