Following a broadcasting career that spanned more than three decades in various parts of Canada, Susan Wood and her husband John Mang headed west, first residing in New Westminster before settling in the Comox Valley in 2011.
That year, she launched Susan Wood Communications. It didn’t take long to secure a variety of contracts, including marketing manager for Vancouver Island MusicFest.
“This is my fourth festival. I’m so impressed every year,” said Wood, who considers herself lucky to be working with such amazing people.
Wood is also festival producer for Comox Nautical Days, the annual BC Day weekend gathering which is closing in on its 60th year.
The Comox resident is also a board member and chair of the marketing and communications committee for the Comox Valley Community Foundation.
“They do wonderful work,” she said. “Communities need these kinds of organizations.”
Wood also represents heritage, arts and culture as a board member of the Comox Valley Economic Development Society Destination Marketing Advisory Committee.
And, when time permits, she volunteers as an event photographer/editor for St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Comox.
“I’m a bit of an amateur (photographer). It’s a hobby for me. I really enjoy it.”
She’s also a musician. One day, she and John might hit the stage together. Susan is a singer while John is a keyboardist (and guitarist) who has performed with Reunion, the Fabulous Mutts and various other local bands.
Born in Montreal, Wood lived in Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina and Calgary before moving to British Columbia.
Her television broadcasting career began in 1979. She started as a production assistant before becoming a director and then a producer. She worked with all the major national networks — including the CBC, CTV, Canwest Global and the WTN (Women’s Television Network) — and various cable networks.
“Broadcasting is a fantastic career,” Wood said. “It’s very exciting. It’s always changing. It’s also instant gratification.”
She is a recipient of the CTV President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions and the CBC President’s Community Handshake Award, as well as the Canwest Global Community Spirit Award for Volunteerism.
Wood is also a winner of the Canadian Women in Communications’ prestigious Excellence in Leadership award.
She and John are looking forward to an upcoming trip to France.