Each month, the Museum invites you to get to know the staff supporting our pillars to Honor, Connect, Inspire and Educate. Meet Nick Wood, Director of Advancement.
Q: What is your favorite place in the Museum and why?
A: My favorite place is the National Conversation Alcove. I love the idea that people who may never be able to meet in-person are able to exchange questions and ideas about service. There is a lot of power in being able to ask a vulnerable question and receive an honest answer to deepen your understanding of service. This space also holds a lot of personal meaning for me because it is a favorite spot in the Museum for my grandfather, a US Air Force Veteran. Each time he visits, he likes to sit down at this alcove and answer each question. On a recent trip, he was answering several questions and describing his answers to my daughter which was a special moment to witness.
Q: What are three words that best describe you?
A: Quiet, Thoughtful, Determined
Q: We feature an #NVMMReads recommendation every month, what is a book that you think everyone should have on their “must-read” list?
A: For kids – Superheroes Are Everywhere by Vice President Kamala Harris. This book helped expand my daughter’s perspective of what makes someone a superhero; everyday acts big and small. When she was elected Vice President, it was such an important moment for my daughter Scarlett, who was six at the time. As a kid, she was able to see someone who looked like her take on one of the most important jobs in our country. She asked a lot of good questions about the moment, how she can become President, and even pinned a drawing of her ambition above her bed. She still holds onto that book today because of what it means to her.
For adults – Jurassic Park and The Lost World, both by Michael Crichton. They are just good stories. If you’ve never read a book by him, it is really fascinating how he can simplify science for the reader and weave it into adventure. I appreciate the fact (mostly) with the fiction.
Q: What is something that no one would believe about you?
A: My family and I watch Jurassic Park, or at least have it on in the background, nearly every day of the year. I guess you could say it is our favorite movie.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: When I was a kid, I was fascinated with Paleontology and Archaeology. I guess I imagined I would grow up to be a combination of Dr. Alan Grant and Indiana Jones. I discovered neither of those fields are nearly as dangerous or adventurous as the movies. However, I would still love to visit some of the most famous sites in each respective field around the world. So, add all those to my bucket list!
Q: What fictional character do you want to be your best friend and why?
A: Dr. Ian Malcolm (are you seeing a theme!?) would be a fun one. I think he would be a good friend for a few reasons. First of all, I’m pretty quiet and prefer to listen, and he is loud and loves to hear himself talk, so I think our coffee conversations would be well matched. Second, he is brilliant, so who better to learn about the chaotic mysteries of the universe from than from an expert in chaos theory.
Q: What’s your favorite board game?
A: Jumanji. I actually haven’t played the real-life version sold in stores, but I imagine it is a similar experience.
Q: What is your go-to karaoke song?
A: Pass.
