Jacob Wood

As a Senior Strategic Communications Analyst for the F-35 Joint Program Office, Jacob has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between complex technical programs and clear, strategic communication. Jacob's path to success began in 2000 when he chose to attend Oregon Tech, one of the first schools on the West Coast to offer a dedicated Information Technologies program. 

 

Unlike other institutions that focused solely on computer science, Oregon Tech's forward-thinking approach to IT education aligned perfectly with Jacob's career aspirations. He majored in Information Technologies with minors in Business and Management Information Systems.

During his time at Oregon Tech, Jacob's involvement in student government marked the beginning of his unconventional journey into public service. The practical, hands-on approach at Oregon Tech provided the technical foundation, but it was the combination of education, support from teachers, and student government experience that opened doors he never expected. After graduation, this blend of technical education, leadership experience, and mentorship helped him land his first role in Congress and ultimately led him to the White House.

 

One of the most significant influences on Jacob's career was Jane Rider, then-Director of Student Development at OIT. She encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone and into student government, where he discovered his passion for public service. This experience, coupled with his technical background, has been instrumental in his career.

 

The Bucket Brigade protests of 2001 had ignited political awareness on campus and throughout Klamath Falls, creating an unprecedented level of student engagement with local and national issues. Jacob's most vivid memory from Oregon Tech was leading a voter registration drive with ASOIT. The Rock the Vote rally, featuring local bands, drew hundreds of students and transformed civic engagement into a community celebration. Organizing a congressional debate in the auditorium, packed with students questioning members of Congress, including Senator Ron Wyden, was remarkable. This experience showed Jacob how advocacy and community engagement could create real change, a lesson that has guided his career in public service ever since.

Oregon Tech's emphasis on practical, hands-on experience prepared Jacob for the realities of the professional world. The technical foundation he gained, combined with a business background, gave him the versatility to evolve from IT to strategic and leadership roles. One of the biggest challenges he faced was transitioning from a purely technical role to a strategic one. He overcame this by leveraging his technical background as an asset, being able to understand complex technical concepts and translate them into clear, impactful messaging.

 

In his current role, Jacob's days are dynamic and varied. As a Senior Strategic Communications Analyst, he engages in strategic planning, content creation, and collaboration with stakeholders. He enjoys the opportunity to bridge the gap between complex technical programs and clear communication, ensuring that vital information reaches stakeholders effectively.

 

Balancing a career with personal commitments, especially with a newborn at home, has been both challenging and rewarding for Jacob. He credits his supportive wife for helping him navigate this balance. Jacob and his family enjoy spending quality time together, shuttling the kids to various activities.

Jacob stays connected to Oregon Tech through social media and maintains strong ties with his fraternity brothers of Phi Delta Theta. His fraternity experience was transformative, shaping his leadership skills and character, which have been instrumental throughout his career. 

 

Looking ahead, Jacob is excited to mentor the next generation of communication professionals and sees the future of his industry as one where authentic, human-centered communication remains crucial amidst the rise of AI and other emerging technologies.

 

Jacob Wood's journey serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with passion and perseverance, we can achieve great things.