Suggestions
CEcD Charles Wood
Vice President of Economic Development at Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce
Charles Wood, CEcD, is currently the President & CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.16 He previously served as the Vice President of Economic Development at the same organization from April 2012 to May 2023.4 In his role as Vice President, he led all efforts related to economic development, including business recruitment, existing business support, and research.4
Wood holds a master's degree in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi and completed the Economic Development Institute.3 He is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), indicating his expertise in the field.
Prior to his work in Chattanooga, Wood was the senior vice president for economic development with the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.2 He has also served as the president of an economic development consulting firm called Imperium Economic Strategies.2
Wood has experience in developing entrepreneurial ecosystems and implementing strategies for innovation-based economies, as demonstrated by his work in Northwest Florida.2 He is known for his focus on place-based economic development and has shown interest in the economic growth of the American South, particularly his home state of Mississippi.5
