GARNER – The Town of Garner has announced that lifelong Garner resident April Wood will become its new downtown and economic development administrator starting Feb. 17.
Ms. Wood brings more than 15 years of experience—including leadership experience with the Garner Chamber of Commerce—to her new role.
“We are excited to have April join the Town of Garner as our new downtown and economic development administrator,” Garner Economic Development Director Nate Groover said. “Her background and experience will be invaluable as we work to enhance Downtown and foster the small business community in Garner.”
Ms. Wood brings a passion for Garner and for entrepreneurship to her new role with the Town.
“I look forward not only to bringing more awareness to Downtown Garner but also to creating a vibrant atmosphere that supports all small businesses for years to come,” Ms. Wood said.
Ms. Wood graduated from Garner Senior High School in 1988 and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1992. She began her career teaching ninth-grade social studies and coaching junior varsity cheerleading at her alma mater.
After starting a family, Ms. Wood transitioned to entrepreneurship, co-owning and operating a small business for over 15 years.
As vice president of the Garner Chamber of Commerce from 2016 to 2021, Ms. Wood had the opportunity to speak locally and nationally about Garner’s talent pipeline and the Career Prep Program, which she helped create through the Garner Magnet High School Business Alliance.
Most recently, Ms. Wood served as marketing director for a local dental office.
