40 under 40: Jude Wood, Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Chamber | June 19, 2018 | 40 Under 40

Jude Wood has always possessed an inclination to be a positive difference-maker. For instance, as a 9-year-old, she convinced her mom to buy and save an acre of rainforest in Brazil from deforestation.

Now, after many miles traveled and steps along the way, she is a difference-maker in the lives of hundreds of young people in her role as the executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe.

Originally from Stratford-upon-Avon, England (the birthplace of Shakespeare), Jude meant to stay in Lake Tahoe for just one winter. Like many, she found a place to call home and has since lived here for nearly 10 years. In that time, she has helped the Club double its membership and expand its staff, and has been involved in the community in many ways, too.

Congratulations to Jude Wood, the latest honoree of our 40 under 40 series!

Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?

As Executive Director of the Club, I am a little bit involved in everything; programming, fundraising, community outreach and occasionally scrubbing the toilets. When you run a small non-profit, you have to roll up your sleeves and do whatever needs to be done.

That said, the Club has seen great success in recent years. Since 2014, we have increased our membership by 205%, increased our full-time staff from just me to six, added the amazing Tahoe Brewfest to our list of fundraisers, and we are about to embark on building our own Clubhouse, which has been a dream of the Club for 28 years! I am particularly proud of the popularity of the Club.

When I came on board in 2014 the Club was seen as the place for the naughty kids, or the low-income families with no other option. We quickly turned that perception around with great staff, great programs and high expectations for behavior at the Club. Now we are on a consistent waitlist for memberships and I am excited to continue to grow the Club in our new building.

What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?

There are so many moments to choose from, but I’d choose watching our Youth of the Year, Mya Rossi, compete in the Northern California regional finals of the Boys and Girls Club of America Youth of the Year Competition. Seeing her get to the second round really brought home to me what the Club is all about—supporting, mentoring and providing amazing opportunities and experiences for our members so that they can reach their full potential.

Do you have a professional/life mantra that you try to live by?

Throughout my life, I have always wanted to make a positive difference. As a small child, I was a member of Amnesty International, Greenpeace and even convinced my mom to buy me an acre of rainforest! I am very fortunate that I have been able to combine my passion for helping with a rewarding career.

What was your first job?

My first paid job was in a factory, breaking down boxes and doing inventory. But my first professional job was as a researcher for a think-tank in Westminster (England). At just 21 to be surrounded by intellectuals, politicians, and others striving to make positive change was really special.

Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?

Like many foreigners, I only intended to be in Tahoe for a short time (one winter to be exact), but I fell in love with the natural environment and a handsome ski patroller, and stayed! When I later switched jobs and took up a role in the community, my eyes were very much opened to both the struggles but also the joys of living in the Tahoe Basin. There are few places on earth where you can ski, paddleboard or hike and still put in an eight hour work day, and I am excited to bring our son up here.

Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?

I serve on the Barton Patient Advisory Committee, as a member of the Progress for Tahoe steering committee, am on the Taskforce for the Leadership Lake Tahoe class of 2018, and also sit on the El Dorado Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee and El Dorado County Community Action Council. I am very lucky to have a supportive board and staff who encourage me to ‘get involved’.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

It was recreation that brought me to Tahoe and when time, my 3-year-old, and work allow, I still love getting out into the mountains or onto the lake; hiking, skiing, paddle boarding or just chilling.

Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?

We had our wedding reception at the Blue Angel and the splash of British on their menu always makes me feel at home. We love Sprouts, AleWorx, Cold Water Brewery and just tried the new Mexican in Meyers – which is fantastic! But my favorites places still have to be the trails, bike paths, and lakes.

Get in touch with Jude today:
Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe
530-542-0838
Email Jude

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