Paul’s journey with Publix started in 1990 when he served as an outside environmental compliance consultant. He became a Publix associate in 2016, initially working as an environmental programs manager before being named senior manager of environmental services in 2019. In 2025, Paul was promoted to his current role, where he manages both environmental and sustainability efforts.

What did you want to be when you were younger? 

I wanted to be a zoologist like Marlin Perkins from the television program “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom,” similar to the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin.

How did you initially get involved in environmental and sustainability work?

I grew up in Homestead, Florida, exploring the Florida Keys and the Everglades, which sparked my love for the outdoors. To protect it, I earned degrees in environmental and chemical engineering from Florida Institute of Technology, followed by a master’s in environmental and occupational health and safety from the University of South Florida. I graduated in 1984, which aligned with major environmental legislation that created abundant initiatives to protect the planet.

What’s your favorite environmental and sustainability initiative at Publix?

On the environmental side, it’s our Environmental Management Programs, which gave me the opportunity to become part of the Publix family. Through restructuring and enhancements, we have achieved over $12.5 million in cost savings for Publix since 2016. On the sustainability side, I love our coral nursery installation in the Florida Keys, with the help of FORCE BLUE’s military veterans. It’s one of the projects funded through the Good Together environmental campaign. I was honored to be a part of the team that helped construct the coral trees used in the installation.

How do you plan to celebrate Earth Day? 

I will definitely be outdoors on the water or in the woods!

What do you think makes Publix a great place to work? 

Our culture. It is amazing that after 95 years, we are still striving to live out Mr. George’s lessons. If we treat each other with respect and take care of one another, our associates will take care of our company.

What is the best career advice you’ve received? 

Be humble and always give more than you take when serving others. Being a true servant means never putting yourself 1st.

What’s your proudest professional moment?

Watching colleagues and associates on my team grow professionally and succeed. It’s been rewarding to witness their confidence grow. I’m also proud of Publix’s environmental and sustainability stewardship.

What helped you grow in your career?

The opportunity to begin my career in the environmental field came when the field itself was fairly new. I got a lot of experience early on with a wide range of regulations and compliance. Through my 25 years of consulting work with Publix, I gained more experience with a variety of environmental projects and programs.

Farthest places you’ve traveled? 

Thailand and Africa

What’s something about you that people may be surprised to learn?  

I’ve bathed 5-ton Indian elephants in the Ping River at an elephant rescue in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and helped install sustainable home and community water clarification systems in Zambia, Africa, as part of a grassroots clean water initiative for drinking water.

Where were you born?  

Beale Air Force Base, Yuba City, California

What’s your favorite Publix product or offering? 

GreenWise veggie pizza with additional green olives on it. I also enjoy Sushi Wednesday!

What’s your proudest personal moment?  

Marrying my wife, Patty, and having our 3 girls: Olivia, Abbey and Emily

Movies or books?  

Movies

Favorite movie or book? 

“The Lord of the Rings” series, by J.R.R. Tolkien, both the books and the movies

Chocolate or vanilla? 

Neither; pistachio!

Coffee or tea?

Coffee, particularly Café Bustelo or Tim Hortons Dark Roast

What are you listening to right now?

“The Message” and “Instrumental Jazz” channels on SiriusXM

What is your go-to song to pump you up?

“In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins

What are your favorite sports teams?  

Miami Hurricanes, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Bucs

What do you want your legacy at Publix to be? 

I hope my legacy is that I was a true servant to my team and to Publix and was known for giving more than I took. We are truly blessed to be a Publix family, so it is important that we believe in our associates, both professionally and personally, and continue to serve each other.