-

Publix Recognizes 12 Leaders With the Company’s Highest Honors

LAKELAND, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Publix is proud to recognize 12 outstanding associates with the George W. Jenkins and President’s awards.

Both awards were presented to one retail leader from Publix’s five divisions and one support leader at the company’s annual retail operations conference.

George W. Jenkins Award

Named after the company’s founder, the George W. Jenkins Award is the company’s most prestigious award. It is presented to managers who exemplify leadership, perpetuate the Publix culture and demonstrate their commitment to Jenkins’ vision.

“George Jenkins believed in helping associates prepare for opportunity and creating an environment for them to be successful,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “The honorees exemplify these ideals and deserve recognition for their continued dedication to sustaining Publix’s legacy.”

The 2025 recipients are

  • Atlanta Division: Store Manager Stephanie Bennett, #1867, Atlanta
  • Charlotte Division: Store Manager Christy Pfuntner, #1081, Mount Pleasant, S.C.
  • Jacksonville Division: Store Manager Ronnie Mills, #1243, Ponte Vedra, Fla.
  • Lakeland Division: District Manager Milan Kordic, previously store manager at #640, St. Petersburg, Fla.
  • Miami Division: Store Manager Frank Roa, #658, Miami, and
  • Support: Director of Transportation and Maintenance James Sadler.

President’s Award

The President’s Award honors managers who actively perpetuate a culture of inclusion, foster a sense of belonging, and champion the development and advancement of all associates. The recipients are also role models to others by demonstrating exemplary leadership.

“These associates are examples of what it means to be an engaged leader,” said Publix President John Goff. “They’re creating an environment of inclusion where associates feel valued and respected, while also helping prepare them for the opportunities ahead.”

The 2025 recipients are

  • Atlanta Division: District Manager Jeff Jeup
  • Charlotte Division: District Manager Mike Jelenc
  • Jacksonville Division: District Manager Kelly Wilson
  • Lakeland Division: District Manager Steve Micheli
  • Miami Division: District Manager Charlie Uz and
  • Support: Director of Manufacturing Operations Brandon Haley.

Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 260,000 associates, currently operates 1,428 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. For 28 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.

Contacts

Maria Brous
(863) 680-5339

Industry:

Publix

Release Versions
English

Contacts

Maria Brous
(863) 680-5339

More News From Publix

Publix ranked No. 4 on the 2026 PEOPLE Companies that Care list

LAKELAND, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Great Place To Work® and PEOPLE® magazine have honored Publix as one of the 2026 PEOPLE Companies that Care. The list highlights top U.S. companies that are successful in business while demonstrating respect, care and concern for their employees, communities and the planet. “At Publix, we are committed to supporting our associates and giving back to the communities we serve,” said Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous. “Our founder, George Jenkins, set a...

Publix Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results and Stock Price

LAKELAND, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Publix’s sales for the three months ended June 27, 2026 were $15.7 billion, a 1% increase from $15.6 billion in 2025. Publix’s sales for the six months ended June 27, 2026 were $31.9 billion, a 1.5% increase from $31.4 billion in 2025. The increase in sales for the three and six months ended June 27, 2026 compared to the three and six months ended June 28, 2025 was lower due to the impact of the Medicare maximum fair price (MFP) change effective January 1, 2026...

Publix Pharmacy Participates in the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program

LAKELAND, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Eligible Medicare Plan D beneficiaries can have qualifying GLP-1 prescriptions filled at a Publix Pharmacy as part of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program. On July 1, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, a new initiative designed to expand access to innovative GLP-1 drugs for weight management. The program will remain available through Dec. 31, 2027. Covered Prescriptions The GLP-1 drugs currently availa...
Back to Newsroom