Darrell Wood MS

Former federal contract specialist and AI-trained analyst who turns administrative data into decisions. Three years at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (HHS) conducting cost and price analysis across complex contract vehicles. MS in Artificial Intelligence (3.8 GPA) and doctoral candidate researching AI governance and organizational adoption.

Founder and Executive Director of Cues For Cancer, where I built governance, financial, and data systems from the ground up. PMP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, FAC-C Professional, active Public Trust clearance.

Founder & Executive Director at Cues For Cancer (2025-01 – Present)

• Founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses the performing arts to inspire hope for individuals and families affected by cancer
• Recruited and seated a seven-member Board of Directors; led adoption of Conflict of Interest, Board Giving, and AI Use and Disclosure policies
• Built the organization's financial infrastructure: multi-year business plan (FY2026–FY2028), FY2025–2027 financial package, operating expense tracker, and bank statement audit
• Designed outcome measurement for Creative Spark Workshops; to date, every participant has reported leaving more hopeful than they arrived
• Secured partnerships and in-kind support from Sentara Brock Cancer Center, Generic Theatre Norfolk, Batten University, and The Holistic Treehouse; managed a grant portfolio including Norfolk Arts Commission and Virginia Commission for the Arts applications

Director of Membership & Community Engagement at Pride in Federal Service (2024 – 2026)

• Led membership and engagement strategy for a national network of LGBTQ+ federal employees
• Developed the organization's fiscal sponsorship strategy
• Led a full charter revision (v5), made it Section 508-compliant, and expanded its scope to 2SLGBTQIA+

Contract Specialist (GS-7 to GS-9) at Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2022-09 – 2025-09)

• Conducted cost and price analysis for firm-fixed-price, time-and-materials, and IDIQ task order contracts
• Applied Small Business Administration classifications and supported GSA schedule acquisitions
• Earned FAC-C Professional certification
• Served as Regional Vice Chair of the CMS Pride Employee Resource Group

Deputy of Programs, Board of Directors at AFFIRM (2023-09 – 2025-09)

• Led programming as a volunteer board officer (~15 hours/week)
• Supported communications for cybersecurity awareness and IT modernization in federal contracting

Program oversight, methadone program at Portsmouth Behavioral Healthcare

Assistant Store Manager at CEC Entertainment

Performer and guest experience roles

Earlier Experience

• Performer and guest experience roles in entertainment and hospitality

Doctoral Candidate in Information Technology (DIT) – Walden University

Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence – Maryville University (2025-12)

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration – [Institution] ([Year])