Chef Joe Woods

Joe Woods, a native of Morgantown, started cooking at a young age. "When I was a teenager, I was the first one home at the end of the day. So, I had to get dinner started for my family every night," Woods says.

He quickly expanded his cooking experiments from boxed meals, to his own creations. "I enjoyed cooking, and especially loved seeing people enjoy what I had made for them." After studying at West Virginia University, Woods decided to follow his dream of being a chef to Pierpont Culinary Academy, in Fairmont. At Pierpont, Woods has served as captain of thier Culinary Knowledge Bowl Team, and member of the 2010 WV State Champion Student Culinary Team. Woods gives the chefs he's learned from, the credit for his success. "The knowledge, skills, and opportunities I have received working with Chefs Floyd and Mahoney at Pierpont, have been immeasurable." Excited at the chance to lead a team at this year's Cast Iron Cookoff, he looks forward to cooking New Appalachian Cuisine at such a grand event. "This weekend is so much fun, and I love celebrating our Appalachian heritage with beautiful food."

--Chef joe woods