Haywood Simmons, affectionately known by many as "Coach Wood", has been recognized for his work in community health and wellness both locally and throughout the nation. Simmons is a native of Macon, Georgia and graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison where he received a bachelor's degree in Political Science. Coach Wood is a member of the 1994 Rose Bowl Champion Wisconsin Badgers Football Team. Haywood Simmons is the founder and President of pHitness Plus, offering functional fitness and mindfulness classes and coaching. He runs Coach’s Club (www.coachsclub.org), which offers community liaison and intervention programming, both in school and after school. Simmons has assisted the Madison area in having sensitive conversations countless times. These include Zion City and Sustain Dane Community Visioning, and serving as a lead facilitator for eight Northside police & resident listening circles. As a founding member of the Step Up: Equity Matters Team, Simmons participated in planning and facilitating conversations around diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Simmons is the host for WORT's Tuesday 8 o'clock Buzz, a one-hour, upbeat morning show that brings the community a mix of music, culture, information, news and interviews. He currently serves on the Center for Community Stewardship Board of Directors.