Kara L. Wood is Executive Director of Grand Action 2.0, a not‑for‑profit economic development organization leading private‑sector efforts to support transformational public‑private investment in downtown Grand Rapids. She provides strategic leadership to identify capital‑intensive projects, leverage public, and private funding, and build the partnerships necessary to deliver large‑scale community impact that strengthens the region’s economic competitiveness and long-term vitality.
Under Wood’s leadership, Grand Action 2.0 is advancing more than $350 million in combined public and private investment in the Acrisure Amphitheater and Amway Stadium—two catalytic projects reshaping downtown and reinforcing Grand Rapids as a world-class destination for talent, business growth, and vibrant urban life.
A respected civic and business leader, Wood serves in leadership roles across statewide, regional, and community organizations. She has been recognized among West Michigan’s most influential women for her leadership and impact. Wood holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business and a master’s degree from Western Michigan University, where she serves on the Board of Trustees.