United Way of Northwest Louisiana recently accepted Buddy Wood of State Farm as a 2017 board member. Wood has been recognized as an individual with a passion to improve his community. Out of the 27 board members that advocate on behalf of United Way NWLA, Wood is the only one to represent Sabine Parish – one of the outlying and more rural parishes this United Way serves.

Wood was born and raised in Natchitoches Parish and is a graduate of Northwestern State University. He has been an active member of the community. He is currently a member of the Rotary Club of Many while also an active member of the Sabine Chamber of Commerce of which he used to serve as president. Wood describes his involvement in the community as a return on investment.

“You have to give back to what has been given to you,” he says. “It’s a privilege for me to be able to do so.”

Wood will serve a minimum of one calendar year as a United Way board member. His duty in this role is to advance United Way’s mission of improving health, education, and financial stability for all citizens living in Northwest Louisiana while maintaining essential needs for those in crisis or struggling.

In addition to his community service, Wood has been recognized as a top performing agent with State Farm for more than 35 years. He and his wife have been long time residents of Many. Together they have three children and three grandchildren.