Congratulations to the 2023 industrial operations award recipients! Here are the top-performing facilities and associates recognized for their outstanding work and achievements.
Safety Award
Maintaining a safe work environment is one of the most important things we do. Safety Award recipients are facilities with
- low-incident frequency
- low-cost rates and
- practices that proactively manage safety and follow safety plans.
The awarded locations received a plaque and $500 to host a celebration, and associates at the facilities received a lapel pin.
Lakeland bakery
Pictured from left to right: Director of Manufacturing Operations Chris Kelley, Lakeland Bakery Plant General Manager Sara Saulnier, Vice President of Manufacturing Doug Harris
McCalla distribution center
Pictured from left to right: Vice President of Distribution Mike Lester, Superintendent of Boxed Meat and Dairy Matt Story, Director of Warehousing Jason Bamberger
Fleet Safety Award
This award recognizes a dispatch location for excellence in key safety metrics like preventable crash frequency and severity, and unsafe driving violations. This award
- stresses the importance of safety
- recognizes professionalism and
- focuses on the principles behind safe driving.
The winning location received a plaque and associates received a lapel pin.
Jacksonville dispatch
Pictured from left to right: Vice President of Distribution Mike Lester, Manager of Transportation Operations Scott McCarron, Manager of Jacksonville Warehousing Chris Turner, Manager of Fleet Safety Russ Wainer, Director of Transportation and Maintenance James Sadler
Operational Excellence Award
Facilities that received the Operational Excellence Award have the best overall performance in
- safety
- product quality
- facility culture
- continuous improvement
- financial results and
- significant accomplishments.
They also were awarded $500 to host a celebration.
Lakeland fresh kitchen
Pictured from left to right: Director of Manufacturing Operations Roland Bean, General Manager of Lakeland Fresh Kitchen Gaye Pate, Vice President of Manufacturing Doug Harris
Orlando distribution center
Pictured from left to right: Vice President of Distribution Mike Lester, Manager of Orlando Warehousing Operations Rich Wederman, Director of Warehousing Jason Bamberger
Servant Leadership Award
Our founder, Mr. George, was the epitome of a servant leader, and his selflessness is rooted in Publix culture. Associates who went above and beyond to perpetuate Publix culture received the Servant Leadership Award. This year’s award recipients were given a plaque and a $50 Publix gift card.
Product Development Leader Deli and Fresh Kitchen Christine Mitchell
Pictured from left to right: General Manager of Lakeland Deli Kitchen Jim Asher, Vice President of Manufacturing Doug Harris, Lakeland Deli Kitchen Team Leader Christine Mitchell, Director of Manufacturing Operations Chris Kelley
Manager of Return Center Operations Jessie Ballard
Pictured from left to right: Vice President of Distribution Mike Lester, Manager of Return Center Operations Jessie Ballard, Director of Transportation and Maintenance James Sadler
Excellence in Green Efforts and Sustainability Award
Facilities that received the Excellence in Green Efforts and Sustainability Award excel at
- conserving water and energy
- using fuel efficiently and
- demonstrating the best recycling practices.
Atlanta bakery
Pictured from left to right: Director of Manufacturing Operations Chris Kelley, Atlanta Bakery Plant Manager Ryan Holley, Vice President of Manufacturing Doug Harris
Boynton distribution center
Pictured: Director of Warehousing Jason Bamberger
