Brandon A Wood is a long time Southern California native. His father’s business took him to, Missoula, Montana and Issaquah, Washington where he spent some time before returning to California and graduating high school in Santa Clarita California. Brandon met Kathleen, and the high school sweethearts later would become man and wife. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have been married for since 1991. Their family began with the addition of their daughter Kortney, and expanded, raising two nieces. Grandparents now, they boast 9 grandchildren. Kathleen, Kortney and their son-in-law Brian are all Victor Valley College alumni.
Brandon served his country in the United States Navy for 8 1/2 years. He was a Naval Aviation Weapons System Operator aboard U.S.S. America CV-66 Combat Directives Center, flying with HS-11 rescue helicopter squadron. He later transitioned to fixed wing jets via VS-27 in Jacksonville, FL., ultimately being stationed in San Diego. He was attached to VS-38 crewing the “Mighty War Hoover” S-3B Viking aboard the U.S.S Constellation CV-64. When not flying, he served his shipmates as the VS-38 assistant Squadron Legal Officer. Brandon served his shore tour at VS-41 Flight and Weapons System training squadron on Coronado Island. Brandon worked with flight safety and weapons system operations training department and serving as the squadron’s computer information system department supervisor.

During his 8 1/2 year stint in the Navy, he “bagged” over one hundred “TRAPS” (aircraft carrier landings). Mr. Wood earned Flag Letters of Commendation and medals; won the coveted “Top Crew” and “Wolf Hunt” Awards thereby distinguishing himself as the number one Weapons System Operator in the world, during joint task force international war games.
Brandon attended community college in San Diego and obtained his Associate of Science - Leadership from Vincennes University Summa Cum Laude and his Bachelor of Arts from Chapman University Summa Cum Laude while on Active Duty. Brandon A Wood was honorably discharged from the Navy. Brandon continued his education attending Chapman Law School in Orange, CA. Mr. Wood studied disciplines such as Criminal Law, Family Law, Evidence, Contracts and Civil Law. Mr. Wood excelled and obtained an Emphasis Certificate in Trial Advocacy and Dispute Resolution. Mr. Wood won awards in Trial Advocacy as a member of the Mock Trial team, after competing at Nationals in his first year in Law School. Mr. Wood served on the Student Bar Association and was elected President of the Criminal Law Society. Brandon graduated in the top of his class.

Mr. Wood began his legal career working for one of the largest law firms in Southern California. As a hardworking self-starter, he soon struck out on his own. In 2004, Mr. Wood chose the high desert to open his law firm here in Victorville, California. Mr. Wood has argued thousands of cases in the local courts throughout San Bernardino County. Brandon has served on the High Desert Bar Association Board of Directors since 2010, recognized by his peers, he was twice elected President of the High Desert Bar Association Board of Directors.

While running his law office, Brandon earned two Master of Arts degrees in Criminal Justice, from Chapman University and Brandan University, both with honors. Brandon continues his support and passion of both the military and education, Mr. Wood has given back by dedicating time as a University Professor serving the Ft. Irwin U.S. Army base, coached Mock Trial at a local high school, and volunteering for the local high school Mock Trial Program since 2008.

Brandon was appointed to the Victor Valley Community College Board of Trustees in 2013, elected to a 4 year term in 2014, re-elected in 2018, and reelected in 2022. He has served as the Board’s Clerk, Vice President and President.
At the time of his appointment, the College had a deficit budget, was on probation with the accrediting commission, was in danger of being shut down or taken over by a Special Trustee, and had numerous other problems.
The Lisa cartoon ran in the local newspaper shortly after his appointment to the Board. As depicted, the community believed the College was already sunk and Wood was joining a sunk ship.

But, since taking his seat on the Board, the budget has been balanced, full accreditation has been restored and issues have been resolved. Moreover, the campus climate has greatly improved. Curriculum has expanded to support student success, and increased transfers to four year degree programs. A state of the art technical college is now in place providing training for students wanting to pursue a technical field career. In addition, facilities have been constructed to house increased demands for study and training. Enrollment and graduation rates have drastically increased since his joining the Board.

Brandon has been a faithful and dedicated servant to the students, staff, facility, management and administration of Victor Valley College. His service to our community has greatly improved access to education and the upward mobility of the region.
He asks for your vote so he may continue to build what will be the Legacy of the High Desert, Victor Valley Community College.
Brandon A. Wood prides himself on helping other get ahead in life. He is dedicated to the advancement and improvement of his community and Victor Valley Community College.

Meet the VVC trustees: Brandon A. Wood
May 1, 2019 by Charity Lindsey

Since joining the Victor Valley College Board of Trustees nearly six years ago, Brandon A. Wood has treasured the experience of seeing the college grow and improve — but it hasn’t all been plain sailing.

Opinion articles in the local news compared Wood’s initial appointment to the board in August 2013 to getting aboard a “sinking ship.” At the time, the college was facing multiple issues, including being on probation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

“I had been going to some board meetings and was aware of the challenges,” Wood said. “I felt like I could contribute and help to solve those issues.”

A defense attorney, Wood’s career background includes more than eight years of service in the U.S. Navy. Upon graduating Chapman Law School, he worked for the largest criminal defense law firms in Southern California before opening his own firm in Victorville. As a strong supporter of both the military and education, he also serves as a university professor at the Ft. Irwin U.S. Army base.

While serving as a board member, Wood has especially enjoyed seeing the college expand with the construction of new and improved facilities, including the Dr. Prem Reddy Health and Sciences Building and the Automotive/Welding Vocational Complex.

“Having been to the old buildings and having heard the complaints of students from how it used to be, to now seeing the new facilities — it’s a world of difference,” he said. “I’m so excited to see the progress on campus and I really can’t wait for the ‘One Stop’ (Student Services Center) to open.”

Among the various VVC events he attends, a couple of Wood’s favorites are the annual Associated Student Body retreat, during which newly elected ASB Council members participate in a four-day leadership conference, and the graduation commencement ceremony.

“I recognize from having walked across stages myself that most of the students have no idea who I am when I hand them their diploma,” Wood said. “What I never realized is how much it means to the person handing you the diploma. They think, ‘I’m getting my reward,’ but it’s really a two-way street. I think I enjoy their graduations even more than my own.”

Looking forward, Wood is confident that if the college “continues on with the trajectory that we’re on” that things will continue to improve.

“We have so many things going so well right now,” he said. “It’s great to be able to stand there now today and say, ‘Hey, I may have gotten onto a sinking ship, but now this ship is floating, it’s steaming straight ahead, and it’s a pretty damn nice ship.’”