Braden Woodward began as Academy of Art University director of operations in August 2024.
In his current role, Woodward oversees the various athletics facilities utilized by the Academy of Art sport programs for practice and game competition as well as local transportation for teams and events, gameday operations, and logistics for athletic home events and sponsored events. Woodward also coordinates student-athlete housing and serves as an organizer for the department’s annual ART U Golf Classic fundraiser.
Beginning with Sonoma State in 2021, Woodward quickly wore multiple hats for the department as he was involved in numerous gameday activities including live statistical scoring, score keeping, public addressing, camera operation, live-streaming, and working with officials and fans. In addition to his responsibilities, he helped coordinate other athletic events on campus including Wolfies, the university’s athletics award show.
Woodward has worked in managerial and lead roles at multiple establishments, including River Bend Resort, Sonoma Zipline Adventures, Primitivo PR, and KSUN Radio. During these times, Woodward managed day-to-day operations including opening and closing, scheduling, overview of employees, leading projects, designing social media, connecting with numerous clients, and operating campaigns.
Woodward holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication & Media Studies from Sonoma State University graduating Cum Laude while he was a recipient of the Graduate with Distinction honor. Woodward previously attended Tomales High School where he was a four-sport athlete, as he was a member of the varsity soccer, baseball, and basketball teams while additionally being the starting quarterback on the football squad.
