Jennifer began her Publix career in 1999 as a front service clerk at #96, Clearwater, Florida. She worked in various positions within customer service before being promoted to store manager in 2014 and district manager in the Lakeland Division in 2021. Jennifer was promoted to her current role in 2026.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

The opportunity to make an impact on people. I enjoy developing those around me and offering solutions to challenges our stores and associates face. It is rewarding to see how it all comes together, and it shows that what my team does makes a difference.

Share your professional or personal motto.

You lead people and manage processes. Lead with your heart and manage with your head.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

A drill instructor for the U.S. Marine Corps. When I was in high school, I was in Marine Corps Junior ROTC. I loved it so much, and I learned so much in that class that I wanted to train Marines.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Trust your instincts. Ask more questions. Don’t be afraid to take on challenges that feel a little bit bigger than you are ready for.

Where were you born?

Clearwater, Florida

What was your biggest inspiration growing up?

The idea of creating a better future for myself. We didn’t grow up with a whole lot and I wanted more. I was always motivated by growth and proving to myself I could do anything.

Why did you join Publix?

Like many associates, I was 15 years old and I wanted to save money for my car and my clothes. I had a friend who was a couple of years older than me, and I remember trying on her cashier uniform bow tie when I was 12 or 13. When I went grocery shopping, I always told my mom, “I’m going to work here one day.” I knew Publix was going to be my 1st job and I applied for a year until I finally got a position.

What skills have helped advance your Publix career?

Definitely relationship-building. I think being able to adapt to change has also helped quite a bit, as well as leveraging resources and staying positive and motivated through different challenges.

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

The people and the culture. Publix people make the difference — we invest in our own growth, and we work tirelessly on the same goal together — taking care of customers and taking care of each other.

What’s the most surprising part of your job?

I don’t know if I would say surprising, but what leaves me in awe is that even though we are a large company, we are a tight-knit company. We are all pieces of a puzzle, with each piece being important in making the puzzle whole.

If you could ask Mr. George anything or learn something from him, what would it be?

“Are you proud of our company since you’ve been gone?” And I think he would be.

What’s one big project you were part of at Publix?

I don’t know if my individual contribution made an impact, but I like to think I played a part in the updated GreenWise Market concept a few years ago. As a district manager, I managed one. You had to think differently when working with a GreenWise Market versus a regular Publix, since the vibe and selection were different. We needed associates who were enthusiastic to talk about different foods and venues. It was cool to be a part of something that was trailblazing and that was our answer to a specialty, natural and organic store.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee. It’s the 1st thing I think about in the morning.

What are your favorite Publix products?

GreenWise half and half in my coffee. And a Boar’s Head Italian Pub sub.

If you could only eat 1 thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pizza. It has everything you need: bread, cheese, vegetables and meat. I’ll even put pineapple on it!

If you could spend a day with anyone, who would it be?

My dad passed away when I was a young adult. I would love to have time with him again as an adult and for him to get to know his grandkids.

Would you rather be in a rural or urban setting if a zombie apocalypse occurred?

I would like to be in a rural setting. Fewer crowds and more space to hide.

What are you listening to right now?

Going into work, I typically listen to a leadership podcast. On my way home, I listen to all genres of music, mostly stuff from the ’80s and ’90s when music was actually good.

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

I watch “Shark Week” religiously every year. I’ve been watching since the ’90s; I used to take the week off from work to watch it.