10/19/2026
2026 WABC Person of the Year: Dr. Ron Woodard: "A Servant Leader."
Dr. Woodard serves with a heart of excellence. He has spent most of his life as an academic leader between Tennessee and Missouri, currently serving as the principal of the award-winning Wilson's Creek Intermediate School, recently named a "National School to Watch." Dr. Woodard also previously led Springfield's Back to School Bash, an event sponsored by Springfield Public Schools that provides free backpacks and school supplies.
At "The Wash," we are honored to have Dr. Woodard as the chair of our Board of Trustees.
To ensure our church is economically viable for future generations, the Board has launched a 3-year capital campaign, which has been a huge success.
Dr. Woodard makes sure we are in compliance with state and federal mandates. He and the Board also steward a number of building projects (most notably the renovation of our fellowship hall and security upgrades). In addition, the Board corresponds with several contractors and vendors throughout the week, handling emergencies to ensure that Washington Avenue is a safe place to fellowship.
With much prayer and consideration, Dr. Woodard led our congregation in a series of difficult discussions and a subsequent vote to have our name officially returned to "Washington Avenue Baptist Church."
He and his wife, Dr. Cicely Woodard, are such a blessing to WABC!
