Our company was founded 85 years ago on the philosophy of service — whether that meant serving our customers, communities or each other. Did you know there’s a team of associates whose role is to put that philosophy into action every day?
Having a media and community relations team helps us connect our brand with the communities we serve. Our six spokespeople are the faces of Publix. You see them on television, hear them on the radio and read about them in the newspaper or other printed materials. Part of their role is to serve our stores and company by working with the media to share company information.
The other part is to support thousands of community initiatives that focus on youth, education and literacy, and helping the homeless and hungry. As a responsible corporate citizen, Publix is often asked to lend financial support to community groups, schools and non-profit organizations. Each year, the managers and their support staff review more than 28,000 requests for donations, gift cards, sponsorships and program ads.
“Just as our stores can locally customize to meet their customers’ needs, so can each media and community relations manager,” said Director of Media and Community Relations Maria Brous. “Each manager is in the unique position to identify the needs of their communities and can be flexible in how Publix gives back to meet those needs most effectively.”
Pictured above from left to right, our media and community relations team is Brian West, Lakeland Division; Dwaine Stevens, Jacksonville Division; Maria Brous, director; Brenda Reid, Atlanta Division; Nicole Krauss, Miami Division; and Kim Reynolds, Charlotte Division.
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Meet our media and community relations managers
Atlanta Division — Brenda Reid
Serving you since 2000
In current role since 2000
Favorite community event/activity: Atlanta Jazz Festival
Why: I get to see new emerging artists and some of the jazz greats in a park setting.
Charlotte Division — Kim Reynolds
Serving you since 2008
In current role since 2013
Favorite community event/activity:
Introducing the Publix brand and culture to new customers within the Charlotte Division and building relationships with local non-profits
Why: It’s very rewarding to be responsible for identifying opportunities to invest in our local communities and together with our associates, carry on the legacy of Mr. George.
Jacksonville Division — Dwaine Stevens
Serving you since 1979
In current role since 1992
Favorite community event/activity:
Special Olympics fundraising events and the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run in Tallahassee
Why: To me, the event solidifies the diversity and love our company has for the community and for all who inhabit it. I also had a nephew named after the angel Gabriel, God’s messenger, who was a special needs child. He passed away suddenly through drowning at the age of 10. He was a Special Olympics athlete, his best events were running but was involved in a number of sports activities.
Lakeland Division — Brian West
Serving you since 1991
In current role since 2013
Favorite community event/activity:
Special Olympics Florida Games kickoff
Why: There are several thousand athletes in attendance who have trained all year for this moment — their moment. The energy in the stadium is amazing. The Law Enforcement Torch Run ends in the stadium with several hundred officers from around the state filling the field, and everything is capped off by the fireworks display. If you’re not moved by it, you don’t have a heartbeat.
Miami Division — Nicole Krauss
Serving you since 2013
In current role since 2013
Favorite community event/activity:
We participate in so many exciting community events here in the Miami Division — it’s really hard to pick just one! One of my favorites is the Camacol Latin Chamber of Commerce Food Distribution in the Little Havana area of Miami. Many of our associates look forward to this special time during the holiday season where we all come together to donate and distribute hundreds of food bags to families in need.
Why: It’s a powerful thing when we come together as Team Publix to help our neighbors in need. This event has become a reunion for many; over the years, associates may move stores or take on new positions, but they love to come back annually to volunteer at this event. Giving of your time, with people you love, to ensure others have plenty of food for the holidays — what could be better than that?!
