Zachary D. Wood

Zachary D. Wood serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Affairs and Nonprofit Leadership at Seattle University's College of Arts & Sciences. His work critically examines structural power dynamics and resource allocation in community development and urban policy contexts, with emphasis on amplifying marginalized voices in democratic processes.

His academic credentials include:

• PhD in Public Affairs from Rutgers University
• MS in Community Development from Rutgers University
• MA in Urban Studies from Temple University
• BA in Political Science from Temple University

Dr. Wood's research applies critical frameworks to analyze how power structures shape urban communities and democratic participation. His expertise spans community development, urban social policy, and nonprofit leadership, informed by over a decade of nonprofit sector experience in housing, homelessness, and youth services. His teaching portfolio includes courses on urban public policy, community development, and international urban studies.

His publication record (2018-2024) reveals consistent focus on urban poverty, municipal governance, and nonprofit advocacy through critical lenses. These works demonstrate interdisciplinary connections between political science, urban studies, and social justice, particularly examining power redistribution in community decision-making processes and municipal interventions.

Professionally active beyond academia, Dr. Wood serves on the Board of Directors for The Mockingbird Society and Youth Collaboratory, national organizations dedicated to youth advocacy and policy reform.