Willcox Savage Consulting Welcomes Jim Wood to Lead Economic Development & Strategic Advisory Practice
Willcox Savage Consulting (WSC) is pleased to announce that former Virginia Beach Vice Mayor Jim Wood has joined the consulting firm as Senior Vice President, Economic Development, where he will lead its newly established Economic Development & Strategic Advisory Practice. Wood's addition enhances the broader economic development capabilities of the Willcox Savage platform, expanding the range of services available to clients pursuing complex growth, development, and investment initiatives.
The addition of Wood enhances the broader economic development capabilities of Willcox & Savage, P.C., complementing the legal services provided through the firm's Economic Development Practice Group, which focuses on development, infrastructure, land use, and public-private partnerships. Clients may now separately engage WSC to identify opportunities, align stakeholders, navigate government processes, and move projects forward. Together, these capabilities offer comprehensive, end-to-end solutions for economic development and investment initiatives, helping clients move projects from early-stage planning through operational launch.
In his new role, Wood will advise clients on economic development strategy, site selection and location advisory, infrastructure and project development, public-private partnerships, regional competitiveness, and stakeholder engagement. He will work with businesses, localities, developers, and economic development organizations to identify opportunities, align stakeholders, and move projects from concept to implementation.
"Successful economic development today requires far more than attracting new investment," said Wood. "Communities and businesses must align infrastructure, workforce, government priorities, capital, and stakeholder interests to create sustainable opportunities for growth. I'm excited to join Willcox Savage Consulting and help clients navigate these challenges while advancing projects that strengthen our region and create long-term economic value."
A former Vice Mayor of Virginia Beach, Wood brings more than two decades of municipal leadership and public policy experience, coupled with extensive private-sector work in construction, infrastructure, energy, and business development. During his time in elected office, he was involved in major economic development, transportation, infrastructure, and public-private development initiatives throughout the region. His experience includes participation in significant projects such as multiple phases of Virginia Beach Town Center, the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center, and the Virginia Aquarium, among other major capital and development initiatives.
Wood's private-sector experience further strengthens his practical understanding of both how governments evaluate projects and how businesses assess investment opportunities.
About Willcox Savage Consulting
Willcox Savage Consulting LLC is a Virginia-based consulting firm providing government relations, public affairs, and economic development advisory services. Through trusted relationships, practical experience, and strategic insight, the consulting firm helps businesses, organizations and communities navigate challenges, advance priorities, and move complex initiatives from opportunity to operational launch.
