John Woods, executive director for the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Fund, was nominated by OU President James Gallogly to serve as the new executive director of governmental affairs on Nov. 29.
Woods, a former Norman Chamber of Commerce CEO, has a lengthy background with government relations and media management, according to an OU Info Statement. Woods also worked as a policy advisor for the speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 2006-2010.
As executive director of governmental affairs, Woods will “(coordinate) with appropriate University officials and (offer) recommendations to advance the University’s interests in the various governmental spheres,” the OU Info Statement said.
“I believe my prior work with municipal, state and federal governments gives me a great opportunity to be successful on behalf of OU,” Woods said in an email.
Woods said he is excited to work with university administration in the position, which relies on his approval by the Board of Regents.
“I look forward to working with the President and Board of Regents to advance the University and the goals President Gallogly has put forward,” Woods said.
Woods worked previously as district director for Tom Cole, U.S. Representative for Oklahoma's fourth congressional district. In a statement to The Daily, Cole said he believed OU has made a “superb” choice with Woods’ selection and commended his political talent.
“Without question, his vast web of relationships will greatly benefit the university in the years to come,” Cole said. “I congratulate President Gallogly on this excellent selection, and I look forward to working with John again in this new capacity.”
Norman Chamber of Commerce CEO Scott Martin said he also looks forward to working with Woods and maintaining the fruitful relationship he’s had with Woods’ predecessors.
“We’re excited to have somebody with a ton of knowledge about Norman, about the chamber and the university,” Martin said. “Somebody that ... knows the importance of a healthy partnership between the university and the business community, and I know that John will do everything he can to help cultivate that relationship.”
Martin said he is confident in Woods' ability in the position, as the two have known each other since Martin ran for student body president at OU.
“He brings a lot to the table, and OU should benefit from that,” Martin said. “Much of what ... the university does is more than just a local or state level, it’s also a federal level. His experience on a federal level, working for two U.S. representatives, I think that’ll go a long way in helping him be effective for the university.”
