Russell Woodward, chair of the Texas Restaurant Foundation, said they collaborate with educational institutions and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to provide culinary and hospitality training for formerly incarcerated individuals, fostering second-chance hiring opportunities. Woodward was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.

"We also work with Dallas College and Collin College and a number of the postsecondary or collegiate level programs that have culinary and hospitality," said Woodward on a recent edition of the Texas Talks Podcast.

“We're working with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in their re-entry and integration program," said Woodward. “We partnered with them so those folks are receiving training while they're incarcerated in the areas important for the food service. And then we bring our partners and our operators in and give them a chance to connect through websites and other venues so that they can have that second chance hiring.”

Woodward serves as the chair of the Texas Restaurant Foundation, Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation Board of Trustees, and is a member of the American Meat Science Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree in food science with a special emphasis in meat science from Texas A&M University.  Woodward serves as the director of food service and industry relations at Nolan Ryan Brands.

Texas Talks podcast is hosted by Brad Swail. The weekly show is focused on public policy in the state of Texas, with insights from the people and organizations that influence it.

The podcast is available on Simple Cast and YouTube.