Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One) this morning attended an award ceremony for his chief of staff, Calvin Woodland.  The U.S. Parole Commission recognized Mr. Woodland for his successful re-entry and significant accomplishments in the community since his release twenty years ago.

“I have people come up to me that I don’t even know and say they have heard about me and how my success has helped them.  And I have come to understand over the last twenty years that my success is not about me.  And that God didn’t just save me for me --- It’s really much more about being of maximum service,” said Mr. Woodland.

Mr. Woodland started working with Jim Graham in 1997.  He later became director of constituent services, and was named chief of staff in December 2009.

“One the most significant honors is having the chance to work with Councilmember Graham for the last fifteen years.  Not only is he too a recovering person, but someone who took a real chance on a returning resident.  A hiring decision that has given confidence to so many other employers who might be considering an ex-offender for employment,” remarked Mr. Woodland.