Ann Wood
National Institute for Standards and Technology-Manufacturing Extension Partnership’s ExporTech™ Program
Biography
Ann Wood began her marketing and exporting career working for one of the nation’s largest frozen food facilities, JR Wood Inc., located in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. While at JR Wood, she oversaw marketing and the international division which exported to over thirty countries worldwide. She was also responsible for directing facilities located in Guatemala and Hong Kong. In 2001 Ann took over as Chairman of the Board at JR Wood and, over a 2-year period, successfully negotiated the a sale of this closely held family-owned business to Dole Foods for over $180M.
After JR Wood, Ann continued to consult with small to mid-sized family-owned businesses on turnaround, sale and merger transactions.
Currently, Ann acts as a private facilitator for the National Institute for Standards and Technology-Manufacturing Extension Partnership’s ExporTech™ Program. ExporTech™ is a “how-to” program that helps small- or medium-sized companies enter or expand into global markets by assisting in the development of an international growth plan customized specifically for their business. By utilizing a local team of export experts, the program helps companies move quickly beyond planning, into actual, profitable export sales. In this role, she draws upon her extensive and unique background in international exporting.
Ann holds an undergraduate degree in Marketing and an MBA with an emphasis in International Business Boise State University. In 2014 she finished her Masters in International Diplomacy (MDY) from Norwich University.
At home in Boise, Ann and her family enjoy many of the outdoor activities that the beautiful Idaho landscape has to offer – running, skiing and cycling. She serves on the Boards of Riverstone International School (Idaho’s first International Baccalaureate authorized institution) and TRiCA (a children’s arts program). She also lends support to Idaho Voices for Children.