Jim Wood leads Willcox Savage Consulting's Economic Development and Strategic Advisory practice, advising businesses, communities, developers, and economic development organizations on complex growth, infrastructure, investment, and project initiatives.

A former Vice Mayor of Virginia Beach, Jim brings more than two decades of municipal leadership and public policy experience together with extensive private-sector experience in construction, infrastructure, energy, and business development.

Throughout his career, Jim has worked at the intersection of government and business—helping navigate complex projects, align public and private stakeholders, and move major initiatives from concept to implementation.

Notable Work & Achievements

Municipal Leadership & Public Policy

Jim served in elected municipal leadership in Virginia Beach for nearly two decades, including service as Vice Mayor. During his tenure, he was deeply involved in municipal budgeting, economic development, infrastructure, transportation, land use, and public policy.

Throughout his nearly two decades in municipal leadership, Jim was directly involved in the negotiation and implementation of major public-private development and capital initiatives. His experience includes multiple phases of Virginia Beach Town Center, the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center, the Virginia Aquarium, and other significant infrastructure and development projects.

Jim also served in regional transportation leadership and worked extensively on complex initiatives requiring coordination among local, state, and federal stakeholders.

Infrastructure & Private-Sector Experience

Jim's public-sector experience is complemented by decades of private-sector work in commercial and industrial construction, infrastructure, energy, and business development.

Representing a global technology company, he worked with local and regional governments on energy and infrastructure modernization initiatives, helping public-sector clients evaluate complex facility, energy, and capital improvement opportunities.

This combination of public and private-sector experience gives Jim a unique understanding of both how governments make decisions and how businesses evaluate investment opportunities.

Economic Development & Project Strategy

Jim advises clients on economic development strategy, site and location considerations, infrastructure challenges, public-private collaboration, regional competitiveness, and project implementation.

His approach focuses on identifying practical barriers to investment and development, aligning key stakeholders, and developing strategies designed to move projects forward.

Community Leadership

Jim remains actively involved in civic and community initiatives in Hampton Roads. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Solace Springs capital campaign, a collaborative initiative focused on workforce and supportive housing in Virginia Beach.