John Woodward is a distinguished faculty member in accounting with over 30 years of combined experience in higher education and business leadership. Woodward joined the faculty at Polk State in 2008 after more than a decade as a senior executive and manager with multiple companies including Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, Fuddruckers Restaurants, Cracker Barrel and Olive Garden, among others.

Professional Experience

Woodward integrates his vast practical experience into his courses gained from multiple positions including:

• • Vice President – Revenue & Accounting – Cypress Gardens Adventure Park
  • Director of Operations & Accounting – Fuddruckers Restaurants
  • Managing Partner – Casa Ybel Resort
  • General Manager – Cracker Barrel and Olive Garden
  • System Director of Dining Services worldwide – Pan American World Airways
  • Director of Resort Operations – Marina Bay Resort, Ft Lauderdale, FL

Community and College Service

Woodward designed a certified bookkeeping curriculum for the Accounting Technology program as well as numerous accounting courses for both online and hybrid modes of education. He has supported the internationalization effort at Polk State as faculty mentor and advisor to the International Business Club and is a member of the Faculty Senate. Woodward’s contributions to accounting education have extended beyond Polk State as a reviewer of accounting textbooks for both Wiley and Cengage. He is also an active member of the Florida Association of Accounting Educators.

Education

Woodward earned a Master of Arts in accounting from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and restaurant management from Florida International University.