At last month’s Publix stockholders’ meeting, six associates received the Mr. George Community Service Award.
Since 1995, more than 100 associates have received this prestigious award, honoring their dedication to serving others — not just where they work, but also where they live. This award reflects our founder’s vision to give back to the community. As part of this recognition, associates receive $5,000 to give to the charity or charities of their choice. Let’s learn about this year’s recipients.
Atlanta Division
Store Manager Craig Leckey
#1355, Auburn, Alabama
In 2013, Craig started volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club of Lee County, and currently serves on its board of directors. While involved with this organization, Craig has created cooking classes to teach kids how to make meals to take home for their families. Craig is also involved in the Hudson Family Foundation, where he helps provide Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to needy families. Nothing makes him happier than being able to tell Publix applicants how we impact the communities we serve.
Charlotte Division
Store Manager Mike Skehan
#829, Columbia, South Carolina
In 1990, Mike became involved with Habitat for Humanity and United Way, focusing on programs to reduce homelessness. He currently volunteers for Chapin We Care, an organization that provides food and warmth to those in need within the greater Chapin, South Carolina, community. Through the Publix Perishable Recovery Program, Mike has been able to coordinate the donation of food to this organization. He remains inspired by Publix’s culture of giving and will continue to donate his time to make a difference in his community.
Jacksonville Division
Store Manager Danielle Dufresne
#522, Savannah, Georgia
Danielle has been involved in community service since high school. She enjoys seeing firsthand the number of lives she impacts. Danielle is most involved with America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, a member food bank of Feeding America. Each month, she invites volunteers from different districts to help pack meals as part of the backpack program for children to take home and eat during the weekend.
Lakeland Division
Store Manager Lewis Bradham
#627, Tampa, Florida
Lewis has been involved in community service through the United Way since 1997. He currently serves on the Children’s Home Society’s board. Through this organization, he is actively involved with the Joshua House, a program that offers healing and care for abused, neglected and abandoned children who have been removed from their homes because of a crisis. In addition, Lewis helped a local elementary school stock its food pantry, and he coordinates events that raise money year-round.
Miami Division
Store Manager Greg Rogolino
#1150, Vero Beach, Florida
Greg began working with United Way in 1987 and currently serves on the board of United Way of Indian River County as the Community Investment Council Chair. In this role, he oversees the evaluation of program grants submitted under education, financial stability and health impact areas. Greg also manages the operations of three hunger-relief programs through his church.
Support
Director of Emerging Business and Private Brands Karen Hall
Karen is involved with Lighthouse Ministries and Talbot House Ministries in Lakeland, Florida. She also donates time, resources and talent to Senior Orphans, an organization that provides toiletries and food to the elderly in need, and Operation Christmas Child, which delivers gift-filled shoe boxes to youth in need across the globe. Karen also works with Literacy for Haiti to improve youth literacy and provide trade and financial education in Haiti.
Meet Publix’s 2018 Mr. George Community Service Award recipients and learn a bit of what makes them special. Also, a tribute to 50 years of service to our leader Barney Barnett.
