Most Powerful Women 2026: Ryan Wood

Ryan Wood spent 17 years in financial services before becoming the executive managing director for Colliers in Nashville. That switch from finance to real estate might seem unexpected from the outside looking in. But really, Ryan’s role is about leading and growing a team to reach company goals — skills she’s honed over the course of her career.

And leading the Nashville market feels appropriate for Ryan, who grew up  in town and graduated from Harpeth Hall.

Outside of her career, Ryan likes to stay rooted in Nashville’s nonprofit community. She serves on the board for both Cheekwood Estate & Gardens and OZ Arts Nashville. She chairs the Harpeth Hall alumnae Annual Fund committee, having already co-chaired the school’s 2025 reunion and served on its National Advisory Council. This year, she also co-chaired the Nashville Public Library Foundation’s Picnic With the Library, and she’s co-chairing Fall for Cheekwood and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence’s Salute to Excellence Awards in October.

Ryan says she often thinks about the quote, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” And that’s little surprise, when you look at her lengthy philanthropic résumé. “If you’re fortunate enough to live in a great city like Nashville, I think there’s some sense of responsibility in giving back,” she says. “But also, it’s fun.”

Ryan loves working with the many community groups that make Nashville special. And these days, she’s looking for ways to include her children in her work. “I am trying to align my philanthropic engagements more along with my kids now,” she explains. “Things like the library, Fall for Cheekwood — that is very much a family-focused event.”