David began his Publix career in 1984 as internal auditor. He was promoted to controller in 1990, vice president and controller in 1996, vice president of finance and treasurer in 1997, and chief financial officer and treasurer in 1999. He assumed his current role in 2016.

As a kid, which free cookie did you choose at the Publix Bakery?
Always chocolate chip. I still do. I don’t get the kid’s cookie, of course!

What do you think makes Publix a great place to work?
We own it!

What’s something about you that people may be surprised to learn?
After I graduated from college, my two brothers and I rode bicycles all the way across the United States. We started in Astoria, Oregon, and finished 2.5 months later in Yorktown, Virginia.

What’s your work philosophy?
Work hard, do a good job and good things will come to you.

If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would they be? Why?
George W. Jenkins. I knew him, and he was a complete genius. Giving his company away to Publix associates was more powerful than I think he even knew. He was charismatic and analytical — the complete package. It would be great if he could see where we are today.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I exercise every day, and my wife and I travel quite a bit to visit our kids, who are grown and don’t live in Lakeland.

What are you binge-watching right now?
My wife picks them, not me!

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Where were you born?
Lakeland, Florida

What’s your proudest moment?
For me, it was getting hired by Publix. I had a unique perspective because before I worked for Publix, I worked for Publix’s outside auditors. So, I spent six months of the year auditing Publix’s books and the rest of the year auditing other companies. I could tell Publix was much better than other companies. I received other job offers, but I knew that if I was ever offered a job at Publix, I would go for it.

What’s your favorite Publix product?
Publix Bakery Italian Five Grain Bread

What are you listening to right now?
I’ve been listening to the “Publix Stories” podcasts. They’re very well done.

What did you want to be when you were younger?
In my high school yearbook, I said I’d go into business or math, but I started college as an engineer, then was pre-med, before I switched to accounting.

Favorite place to vacation?
I’d say my favorite is probably London. Both of our daughters spent a semester there, and my wife’s brother, sister, nieces and nephew live there, so we’ve been several times.

What emoji best describes you?
I use thumbs up the most.

What are you reading right now?
That’s a hard one because I do so much reading for work that I don’t have a lot of time for pleasure reading. But recently I read “Bad Blood” by John Carreyrou. It’s a fascinating book — a true story about a young woman who started a blood-testing business, and it ended up being a scam.

What’s the best ice cream flavor?
Vanilla

Farthest you’ve traveled?
Either South Africa or Australia. Both are about halfway around the globe from here. But the best of those trips was the one to South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.

What toppings do you like on your pizza?
I like margherita pizzas, so tomato sauce, cheese and basil.

What skills do you think have advanced your Publix career the most?
I’d say analytical and communication skills.

What do you want to learn next?
I think I’m going to have to convert to digital magazines. Personal technology is always a challenge to me because it changes all the time.