OPELIKA, Ala. – The City of Opelika Economic Development Department announces two new positions – Griffin O’Connor in his new role as Project Manager of Workforce Development and Jonathan Woodard as the new Senior Project Manager.
“We were very fortunate to have Griffin join our team in August of 2022 as the Workforce and Talent Attraction Coordinator and have benefitted tremendously from his efforts expanding our existing programs like the Citywide CSP military transition program. In his new role, Griffin will continue to build on the success of existing workforce programs and will also broaden his contributions to our business expansion and retention efforts and business recruitment. He is committed to supporting the continued growth of the City of Opelika,” said John Sweatman, Director of Opelika Economic Development.
O’Connor is originally from Andalusia, Alabama and graduated from Auburn University in 2021 with a BSBA in Marketing and Finance. Since joining Opelika Economic Development, he has completed the Intensive Economic Development Training Course at AU, graduated from the 20 Under 40 Class of 2024, and assisted in the creation of the Opelika Young Professionals organization. He currently serves on the Boards of Opelika Young Professionals, Lee County Young Leaders, Opelika Workforce Council, and the Computer Information Systems Advisory at Southern Union.
Woodard will serve as the Economic Development Senior Project Manager for the City of Opelika. In this role, his primary focus is on recruiting and retaining businesses and industries to foster economic growth within the city.
Sweatman added, “We are also excited to announce that Jonathan Woodard has accepted the newly created position of Senior Project Manager with the Opelika Economic Development team. Jonathan brings valuable project management experience in manufacturing, as well as a strong background in international business relations. In this new role, he will leverage those skills and contribute to our efforts attracting and retaining world class companies to call Opelika home. Having grown up in Opelika and now raising his family here, Jonathan is eager to help our efforts to encourage others to choose Opelika as a great place to live, work, and play.”
Woodard embarked on his professional journey in sales with Opelika-based manufacturing company, Deep Rock Manufacturing, known for its high-quality earth drilling equipment catering to global geothermal and commercial applications. Transitioning into the industrial manufacturing sector in January 2013, Woodard joined Regal Rexnord, a Fortune 500 Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based manufacturer specializing in electric motors and power transmission components.
During his tenure at Regal Rexnord, he assumed various roles within Commercial Operations, including Project Manager, Product Manager, and Product Specialist focusing his efforts in the Energy Global market. As Project Manager, Woodard thoroughly coordinated and supervised large-scale projects from inception to completion, facilitated with global key customers such as GE Energy, Siemens, and Saudi Aramco, both domestically and internationally, ensuring utmost satisfaction. As Product Manager, he defined the product vision and strategy for Regal Rexnord, bringing healthy company growth. And while working as a Product Specialist, he led the growth, planning, and execution of Regal Rexnord’s product portfolio marketing strategies for Renewable Energy Power Transmission applications.
Woodard is a native of Opelika. He and his wife, Michelle, have three children: Landon, Lane, and Carter. His commitment to service flourished during his tenure as the Student Ministries Pastor at The Oaks Church in Auburn, Ala., spanning from 2008 to 2013. Presently, Woodard and his family are members at the Church of the Highlands Opelika Campus.
Whether cheering on his three sons at the Westridge Baseball Park or the Opelika High School baseball field or casting lines with his sons and wife at a quiet pond, lake, or creek, Woodard finds joy in the company of his family.
