Woody began his Publix career in 1993 as a financial analyst supporting the real estate department after working as an auditor with a public accounting firm. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from the University of Notre Dame. He was promoted to asset manager of the real estate department in 2000, director of real estate assets in 2003 and to his current role in 2017.
What is a fun or unique fact people might not know about you?
I’m a Florida Gator fan today. Ironically, until 1993 I was a Florida State Seminole fan. There is a story behind that conversion, but that’s for another day.
What do you enjoy most about working at Publix?
I love the people I work with. They are all highly motivated and incredibly dedicated to Publix and to their job responsibilities. I’m truly blessed to work at this company.
What goes on your perfect Pub sub?
I’m trying to eat healthier, so I love the Publix Deli Veggie sub.
What is your proudest moment?
I have two. One of them was walking into a room and seeing several officers there to tell me I had been promoted to Vice President of Real Estate Assets. The other one would be earning the President’s Award in 2016.
What is your advice to someone starting out in their Publix career?
Find a mentor to guide you through your career journey, and always do the right thing.
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What brought you to Publix?
Vice President of Finance Gino DiGrazia is a longtime friend of mine from my public accounting days. He called and told me Publix had a need for additional resources to support various business areas. I interviewed and got the job. I was looking for a career change and was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time.
What is your favorite Publix product?
I love Publix Premium Cookie Dough Ice Cream.
What are your favorite sports teams?
For college football, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Florida Gators come in second because I’m a Gator fan by marriage. My two oldest daughters are students at Florida as well.
What is your favorite movie?
Either “Gone with the Wind” or “The Sound of Music”
What music are you listening to right now?
I love old country music artists like Johnny Cash, Buck Owens and Loretta Lynn.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Anything that has chocolate in it. I love chocolate.
What is your work philosophy?
To do the right thing and develop associates through mentoring and training them to be good Publix associates. I try to hold people accountable.
Who is your role model?
I’d have to say Advisor to the CEO Tina Johnson. Tina hired me, and she taught me to take constructive criticism as a learning opportunity. She’s now a trusted mentor and a good friend.
What are your hobbies?
I love watching the Fighting Irish and Gator football, traveling with my family and watching my daughters play volleyball.
What did you want to be when you were little?
I wasn’t sure as a kid, but when I enrolled in college I started off in the pre-med/pre-dental track.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
I’ve always wanted to visit Australia.
What are you binge-watching right now?
I’m watching the “Bosch” series on Amazon Prime Video.
