2015 George W. Jenkins Award winners
Atlanta Division – Store Manager Jeff Jeup
Charlotte Division – Store Manager Michelle Nygren
Jacksonville Division – Store Manager Alan Veith
Lakeland Division – Store Manager Jay Roughton
Miami Division – Store Manager Andy Delong
Support – Manager Merchandise/DSD Accounting Tammy Atherton
2015 President’s Award winners
Atlanta Division – District Manager John Westall
Charlotte Division – District Manager Kris Jonczyk
Jacksonville Division – District Manager Scott McGee
Lakeland Division – District Manager Scott Kiesel
Miami Division – District Manager Roger Paz
Support – Director of Real Estate Assets Woody Rayburn
Online Exclusive — Photos of winners accepting awards
George W. Jenkins Award winners follow in our founder’s footsteps
The George W. Jenkins Award is Publix’s most prestigious award. It recognizes our finest managers who follow Mr. George’s rich tradition of leadership, yet work in their own unique ways to perpetuate our culture.
Meet this year’s group of managers who demonstrate outstanding merchandising ability, training, leadership and team-building skills, expertise in the promotion of others, participation in continuous improvement and involvement in the community.
Atlanta Division
Store Manager Jeff Jeup
#1426, Nashville, Tennessee
What brought you to Publix?
My friend Darrell Lamoureux (now breakfast foods/coffee buyer) had just been hired at the new store near my house, and he encouraged me to apply.
What do you enjoy most about your current job?
It’s all about the people. Whether they’re my associates or customers, I focus on making their lives better and being there for them.
How do you spend your spare time?
Spending time with my family, fishing and recently have taken up running to live a life inspired
What was your reaction when you found out you received the GWJ Award?
I thought, “Is this for real?” It was super humbling, and it took my breath away. But I was more excited to learn Michelle Nygren, who worked with me several years ago, won for the Charlotte Division!
back to top
Charlotte Division
Store Manager Michelle Nygren
#1383, Lexington, South Carolina
What brought you to Publix?
Originally, I was a young mother who was looking for a flexible work schedule. I had a break in service due to my husband’s military career, and when we were relocated to South Carolina several years later, I was excited to come back to Publix.
What do you enjoy most about your current job?
I love working with my associates. I try to get to know everyone and help them grow in their careers here.
How do you spend your spare time?
Spending time with my family. Each year, we all get together for a week. I also enjoy traveling — Alaska and Hawaii have been two of my favorite trips.
What was your reaction when you found out you received the GWJ Award?
It was an out-of-body experience. I can’t remember what happened or what I said; I was just so honored and humbled. I didn’t even know I was nominated!
back to top
Jacksonville Division
Store Manager Alan Veith
#1430, Orlando, Florida
What brought you to Publix?
My brother asked me to help him drive a moving truck from New Jersey to Florida. We left a blizzard in New Jersey and were able to swim in the ocean when we arrived in Florida, so I decided to stay. Two days later, I applied for a job and officially became a Floridian.
What do you enjoy most about your current job?
I enjoy my interactions with associates and customers — from celebrating promotions to high-fiving kids in shopping carts.
How do you spend your spare time?
Golfing, watching Broadway shows, cheering for the Steelers and Virginia Tech, and walking around Disney World
What was your reaction when you found out you received the GWJ Award?
I was extremely excited and couldn’t wait to call my wife (whom I met at Publix). But she didn’t answer, and I didn’t want to tell anyone before her — so I had to keep it to myself for hours!
ack to top
Lakeland Division
Store Manager Jay Roughton
#1438, Port Charlotte, Florida
What brought you to Publix?
My stepdad was a store manager for Publix, and I really admired him. One day, he asked me to come work for Publix. At the time, I already had a job, so I told him ‘no thanks.’ I finally caved in shortly after turning 16 and am glad I did.
How do you spend your spare time?
Doing whatever my kids are into. I have six children from ages 2 – 21, so in my spare time I’m attending their soccer games or cross country meets and helping my wife out with our little ones.
What was your reaction when you found out you received the GWJ Award?
I was shocked! It was hard to take it all in, being that it’s one of the highest honors at Publix.
back to top
Miami Division
Store Manager Andy DeLong
#1395, Palm Beach, Florida
What brought you to Publix?
I had been a grocery manager at another retailer in upstate New York, but had always visited Florida and loved Publix. When I decided to move here, Publix was an easy choice. I could tell there was a big difference immediately, and I’m so grateful I made the decision to work here.
What do you enjoy most about your current job?
I love encouraging our associates to stretch themselves to learn, do more and enjoy the great opportunities Publix gives us!
How do you spend your spare time?
I have a 120 gallon aquarium that I love to keep up. I also enjoy traveling with my wife and getting away to the mountains when we can.
What was your reaction when you found out you received the GWJ Award?
We were having a state health inspection at my store that day. I was in the bakery with the inspector when they said I had a phone call — it was [Publix board member] Howard Jenkins. I about fell over! I didn’t know what to say, I just kept thanking him.
back to top
Support
Manager of Merchandise and DSD Payables Tammy Atherton
What brought you to Publix?
When I was in high school, I was in a program to help prepare students for business careers. I was lucky enough to get a chance to work in Publix’s accounting department.
What do you enjoy most about your current job?
I really enjoy working with people. They’re what makes you who are you. I love watching my team grow and succeed.
How do you spend your spare time?
Going to the beach and boating with my family. We spend a lot of time at Anna Maria Island, Florida. I like to travel too.
What was your reaction when you found out you received the GWJ Award?
I about had a heart attack. I had no idea what was going on. I was in my office meeting with another supervisor and turned around to see [CEO] Ed Crenshaw, Howard Jenkins, [Chief Financial Officer] David Phillips and [Vice President of Corporate Accounting] Sandy Estep standing there. I was in complete shock.
back to top
President’s Award honors leaders who live the legacy
Our President’s Award winners embody the spirit of growth and fairness our company was founded on. It is through the successful efforts of these leaders that we continue our legacy of service to our increasingly diverse workforce and customers.
Each recipient receives a personalized trophy. Retail winners, their store managers, regional director, division vice president and respective guests, as well as the support winner’s core management team and guests, are treated to dinner with President Todd Jones, Senior Vice President John Hrabusa and their spouses.
Atlanta Division
District Manager John Westall
John began his Publix career in 1979 as a produce clerk. He worked his way to store manager in 1994 and became a district manager in 1998. John oversees 11 stores in Acworth, Kennesaw, Marietta and Rome, Georgia. He previously won the President’s Award in 2002.
John embraces the district manager role and feels truly privileged to be a leader here at Publix. His standards are of the highest caliber, and he has a real passion for helping Publix people learn and grow. John is an excellent communicator, willingly shares his experiences and is a dedicated mentor to many — taking personal ownership in the success of his people.
back to top
Charlotte Division
District Manager Kris Jonczyk
(now Atlanta Division Regional Director)
Kris began his Publix career in 1986 as front service clerk. After working in a variety of positions, he was promoted to store manager in 2000 and to district manager in 2012. Before his promotion to regional director in December 2015, Kris oversaw nine stores in Asheville, North Carolina, and Anderson, Clemson, Easley, Greenville and Greenwood, South Carolina. He also was a recipient of the 2010 George W. Jenkins Award.
Kris’s passion for Publix shows whenever he’s developing associates for future roles. He focuses on sustaining an environment where associates and managers are successful through leading by example and serving others.
back to top
Jacksonville Division
District Manager Scott McGee
Scott began his Publix career in 1980, and after a break in service, he returned to Publix in 1984 as a grocery clerk. After working in a variety of positions, he was promoted to store manager in 1994, and in 2006, he became a district manager. Scott oversees 11 stores in Flagler Beach, Palatka, Palm Coast and St. Augustine, Florida.
Scott’s experience across multiple divisions has helped him become a strong Publix leader. He tackles every new opportunity with confidence, yet is methodical in his decision making. His quiet strength inspires associates to be the Mr. George of their store.
back to top
Lakeland Division
District Manager Scott Kiesel
Scott began his career in 1991 as a front service clerk and within a few years joined the grocery department. He was promoted to grocery manager in 1996, assistant store manager in 1999, store manager in 2004 and into his current role in 2011. Currently, Scott oversees nine stores in Naples, Bonita Springs and Ave Maria, Florida.
Scott is the kind of leader you want to make proud. He sets high expectations for his team, yet always remembers to be supportive, motivating and available. It’s easy to see his passion for investing in his associates. He embraces the Publix philosophy that if you take care of your associates, they’ll take care of their customers.
back to top
Miami Division
District Manager Roger Paz
Roger began his Publix career in 1981 as a front service clerk and worked his way up to store manager in 1995. He received the 2008 George W. Jenkins Award and was promoted to district manager in 2011. He currently oversees 10 stores in Miami and Miami Beach, Florida.
Roger’s focus on teamwork and coaching helps him drive results. He celebrates success with his team and has a sincere compassion for his associates. Roger is patient, yet holds people accountable for doing their part to keep Publix successful. He lives Mr. George’s lesson of respecting the dignity of the individual and sets the example of a Publix leader.
back to top
Support
Director of Real Estate Assets Woody Rayburn
Woody began his career in the treasury department in 1993. He transferred to real estate in 1997 and was promoted to his
current position in 2006. Woody’s current role includes overseeing the management and leasing of our 300 company controlled stores and shopping centers and development of any new company owned centers.
Woody loves seeing his team and Publix succeed. He excels at building relationships and managing talent by getting to know his associates and helping them develop and grow. He’s very competent and intelligent, and he brings to the table a different perspective that only adds value. He’s a great role model who truly cares for his team and goes above and beyond.
back to top
Online Exclusive
Check out our winners accepting their awards at their division’s leadership conference.
