Lakeland, Florida-based Publix held its annual stockholders’ meeting April 12. During the meeting, Mark Irby, retired Publix VP of marketing, was elected to the company’s board of directors and the creation of two new scholarships for company employees was also announced.
Irby began his Publix career in 1973 in the sign shop in Lakeland, Florida. After working in various capacities within that department, in 1983, he transferred into the advertising department as a marketing and research manager. In 1988, he was promoted to director of marketing and advertising, then to VP of marketing in 1989. He retired earlier this year.
“We congratulate Mark on his election to the board,” said Ed Crenshaw, chairman of the board. “His extensive experience in helping build and promote our Publix brand will bring a valuable perspective.”
Todd Jones, Publix CEO, also announced the creation of the Carol Jenkins Barnett and Publix Community Service Scholarship at the meeting.
Beginning with the fall 2023 semester, two Publix employees beginning their freshman year of college will each be awarded $5,000 toward their education. Among other criteria, the selected recipients will have exhibited a passion for community service. Additional information on the application process will be announced in early 2023.
“Whether it was advocating to improve education, especially for young children, or serving the less fortunate, Carol made a lasting impact on so many,” Jones said. “As a company, this scholarship is a way to remember Carol’s life and legacy of service.”
The Carol Jenkins Barnett and Publix Community Service Scholarship will honor the life and work of Carol Jenkins Barnett, who died last year. She was the former chair and president of Publix Super Markets Charities, and daughter of Publix founder, George W. Jenkins. Over the years, they funded numerous community projects including Barnett Park and the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children at Lakeland Regional Health. Her final major philanthropic gift was the founding of Bonnet Springs Park.
Publix, an employee-owned company with more than 230,000 associates, currently operates 1,296 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. For 25 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work.
For more information, visit corporate.publix.com.
