Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig Woodard Sr.
Hi Craig, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2014, my wife Christine and I had our son Craig Woodard, Jr. who was blessed with Down syndrome. This blessing made me want to get involved in advocating and spreading awareness. In 2015, I was voted in as the Vice President of a local Down syndrome organization. My main responsibility was to organize a Buddy Walk fundraiser for the Tampa Bay area. In the 1st year of the Buddy Walk, my efforts helped the organization raise approximately $39,000 as I secured Raymond James Stadium as the venue. In its 2nd year, the Buddy Walk raised over $62,000. I was able to get media exposure both years appearing on Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend with Natalie Taylor as well as being featured on a 15-minute radio interview on The Current-Q105 with RoxanneWilder. This exposure, amongst other things, led to the success of the Buddy Walk.
In January 2018, I decided to start my own organization, along with six other like-minded individuals called the Down Syndrome Association of Tampa Bay. Our early success has been overwhelming as the families in the Tampa Bay area continue to show us their support.
The birth of Craig, Jr. has been one of the best things to happen to my wife and I. Advocacy and education have become my life and I will continue to spread awareness not only in the Tampa Bay area, but throughout the country.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t. Even before Craig Jr was born we were told he would have poor quality of life. We had to endure the unknown throughout the pregnancy. However, God is so good. After he was born, on the 8th day in the NICU, the hole in his heart closed. What a relief. He’s had all different therapies throughout his life and even til this day he has therapy sessions. His speech delay is one of his daily struggles and his stemming, but he’s doing such a great job overcoming everything he puts his mind to.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I embody a wide variety of talents. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Mercyhurst University in 1996. Starting my professional career as a Videographer at WSEE TV-35 until taking my first On-Air position, as a News Reporter, at WICU TV-12 in 1997. Both stations were located in my hometown of Erie, PA. In 1998, I was promoted to Sports Anchor for Fox Sports, which was the sister station of WICU TV-12. After WICU sold Fox, I joined the WICU Sports Team as the Weekend Sports Anchor/Reporter until 2003. During this period, I also played professional football for the Erie Invaders as the starting fullback for Erie’s Inaugural team in 2000 in the Indoor Football League.
Changing careers, I entered the finance business and started out as an Account Executive with Beneficial Finance. After ten months, I was promoted to Branch Manager in 2004. Deciding to further my education, I received my MBA from American Intercontinental University with a concentration in Management, graduating on the Dean’s List with a 3.87 GPA.
I now am a Branch Manager at Mariner Finance and I’ve been in the financial industry for the last 23 years. Getting back to my media roots, I also host an award winning Podcast called Etcetera With the Woodards. In 2026 I won the Communicator Award for Distinction. You can watch it live on my Facebook page or my YouTube channel @EtceteraWithTheWoodards. You can also listen to the replay on BlaXcess Media 92.7FM WICU HD2. The radio station is based out of my hometown Erie, PA and is the first ever 24/7 Hip-hop and R&B station in that market, so I’m blessed that they picked up my Podcast.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
My professional business career started in my hometown where I was a sports star in high school and college. That helped me get my internship and ultimately led to my first job out of college. I guess that was my good luck.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dsatb.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-woodard-sr-mba-55733213
- Youtube: @etceterawiththewoodards
