Twelve Publix Super Markets managers were recognized for their leadership and dedication during a dinner Feb. 11 at the company’s annual Retail Operations Conference in Orlando, Florida. The George W. Jenkins Award and the President’s Award are Publix’s two most prestigious recognitions.
The George W. Jenkins Award—named after Publix’s late founder—was presented to five store managers and a support leader who exemplify leadership, perpetuate the Publix culture and demonstrate commitment to the founder’s vision.
The 2019 recipients are store managers Joe Blaszczak, Birmingham, Alabama; Michael Millien, Wake Forest, North Carolina; Kelly Wilson, Orlando, Florida; Dan Murphy, Sarasota, Florida; Nick Abiusi, Jupiter, Florida; and Pharmacy Operations Manager Kathy Leonard, Miami Division.
The President’s Award was given to four district managers, a recently promoted regional director and a support leader who embody Publix’s founding philosophies. Recipients have proven their dedication to fairness, mentoring future leaders and maintaining the dignity, value and employment security of their associates.
The 2019 recipients are: Atlanta Division District Manager Aissata Deme, Charlotte Division Regional Director Joey Riddle, Jacksonville Division District Manager Johnny Hankerson, Lakeland Division District Manager Greg Chambless, Miami Division District Manager Charles Anderson and Senior Manager of Business Analysis and Reporting Frank Maggio.
“These managers exemplify the values George Jenkins founded our company on,” said Publix President Kevin Murphy. “I’m proud of their accomplishments and grateful for their dedication to making Publix a great place to work and shop.”
Publix is privately owned and operated by its more than 200,000 employees, with 2018 sales of $36.1 billion. Currently, Publix has 1,239 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. For 22 consecutive years, the company has been named one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, and Publix ranked No. 1 on Fortune’s inaugural list of Best Big Companies to Work For in 2019.
