Publix Super Markets recognized six associates with the Mr. George Community Service Award for outstanding commitment to their communities during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting.
The award honors associates who embody the giving spirit of Publix founder George Jenkins.
“George Jenkins once said, ‘We are not only in the grocery business, we’re in the people business,'” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “That means taking care of our customers, communities and each other.
“Our 2026 recipients take these words to heart and are fulfilling our mission to be involved as responsible citizens in the communities we serve.”
The 2026 recipients, selected from each retail division and one support role, are:
- Bill Rourke, customer service staff at store No. 1096 in Acworth, Georgia (Atlanta Division);
- Tabitha Davis, assistant store manager at store No. 1858 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Charlotte Division);
- Muriel Lawson, store manager at store No. 1572 in Pace, Florida (Jacksonville Division);
- Lisa McLoughlin, store manager at store No. 1628 in St. Petersburg, Florida (Lakeland Division);
- Perry Menschel, store manager at store No. 421 in Boca Raton, Florida (Miami Division); and
- John Doran, executive director of Publix Super Markets Charities in Lakeland, Florida (Support).
Jenkins believed that Publix and its associates should make a difference in their communities. The Mr. George Community Service Award has recognized that legacy annually since 1995, honoring 165 employees to date.
Publix is the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 260,000 associates operating 1,432 stores in eight states.
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