RICHMOND, Virginia — The Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) will recognize longtime legislative liaison Michael W. Woods posthumously by naming its Legislator of the Year Award in his honor.
Woods died on Nov.18, 2020 following a battle with cancer, leaving behind his wife, Claudine, and a daughter, Caitlin. He monitored legislative and regulatory issues before the Virginia General Assembly and other state regulatory agencies as VEDA’s legislative liaison for the last 15 years. Woods served as Senior Manager for State Government Affairs with Troutman Sanders Strategies, where he worked with clients on business issues, including tax policy, natural resources, public safety, procurement, economic development, privatization and public-private partnerships.
VEDA's Legislator of the Year Award recognizes public officials who support economic and community development and actively engage in public policy efforts that advance prosperity in the Commonwealth.
In lieu of selecting a 2020 recipient, VEDA’s leadership renamed the annual distinction the Michael W. Woods Legislator of the Year Award.
“Mike made a difference in the Commonwealth and embodied all of the qualities our Legislator of the Year Award represents,” said VEDA President Steve Harrison. “He was a familiar face to all who attended VEDA events or walked the halls of the General Assembly during the early winter months. VEDA lost a staunch advocate for economic development issues in Virginia and a good friend as well. He will be sorely missed.”
Woods previously served as the Political Director for House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith (R-VA 9th District). He successfully managed Republican campaigns for a number of General Assembly members as well as federal, state and local officials. Woods formerly served as Deputy Political Director for the Republican Party of Virginia.
VEDA is a member-based professional association committed to providing training and development; networking opportunities; and serving as the voice of the economic development community, creating economic opportunity and prosperity for the Commonwealth of Virginia. VEDA's membership is comprised of more than 520 economic development professionals and related industry professionals from across the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information about VEDA visit the website at www.GoVEDA.org.
