San Quentin State Prison
Woodford began her career as a California correctional officer in 1978 at San Quentin State Prison. She was appointed Warden of San Quentin State Prison by Governor Davis in 1999. She developed and implemented programs for prisoners including The Success Dorm, the first reentry program in a California prison. She also served as Chief Deputy Warden and Associate Warden at San Quentin State Prison. The New York Times profiled Woodford for her unorthodox approach as warden of San Quentin.