Named after our late founder, the George W. Jenkins Award is our most prestigious recognition, and it honors a store manager from each division as well as a support manager. These managers exemplify leadership, perpetuate the Publix culture and demonstrate commitment to our founder’s vision.
Let’s meet our 2020 George W. Jenkins Award recipients:
Atlanta Division
Store Manager Tim Bismarck, #1713, Sevierville, Tennessee
Tim has a passion for developing talent and growing future leaders. He is also very involved in his community, helping causes like alleviating food insecurity and homelessness. Tim lives and breathes the Publix culture. He has embedded the culture throughout his store by making sure all his associates and managers feel they are Publix’s No. 1 asset.
Charlotte Division
Store Manager Don Bridwell Sr., #1479, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Don enjoys making a difference in people’s lives and leads by example in serving our customers, associates and his community. He is a selfless leader who always looks for ways to help others through training and mentoring. Don was also a 2017 Mr. George Community Service Award recipient.
Jacksonville Division
Store Manager Tom Stelzer, #1127, Lake Mary, Florida
Tom encourages associates to take advantage of opportunities for their personal and professional growth. He’s committed to hiring, training and retaining high-quality associates. Tom sees and embraces the bigger picture.
Lakeland Division
District Manager Mackenzie Mast (previously store manager at #555, Sarasota, Florida)
Mackenzie lives the Publix mission while executing on our strategy. She is committed to mentoring and training associates and managers to help them get to the next level in their careers. Mackenzie is looked upon as a resource and always makes herself available to provide support.
Miami Division
Store Manager Brian Aten, #658, Miami
Brian truly lives the Publix culture and sets the example for his team by treating customers like royalty. He is also a great motivator who wants others to succeed. Brian emphasizes the importance of teamwork and 3 key components for success: communication, being a good listener and providing positive feedback.
Support
Director of Warehouse Operations Bill Pelham (previously Lakeland Warehouse Operations Manager)
Bill creates an environment with the highest standards of performance for success. His team has been recognized as the most efficient multi-warehouse site in distribution. Bill is committed to perpetuating a culture of serving customers while operating efficiently and safely.
Let’s meet the 2021 George W. Jenkins Award recipients:
Atlanta Division
Store Manager Janella Long, #842, Vestavia Hills, Alabama
Janella is an influencer of positive change to associates and managers. She has created an environment in her store her team wants to be a part of. Janella places a high priority on her team’s success through training and developing her managers and ensuring they are doing the same with their associates.
Charlotte Division
District Manager Mike Skehan (previously store manager at #1383, Lexington, South Carolina)
Mike consistently executed on the contender program, providing his associates the opportunity to grow. He cross-trained many of his associates so the store could operate more effectively, and associates could gain new skills. He is very involved in the community, giving his time to various charities. Mike was also a 2019 Mr. George Community Service Award recipient.
Jacksonville Division
Store Manager Kerri Tubbs, #1440, Orlando, Florida
Kerri has been instrumental in perpetuating the Publix culture to build a strong, agile team. She thrives on the growth and success of her associates. Kerri is a fierce advocate for career advancement by personally training and mentoring high-potential associates.
Lakeland Division
Store Manager David Sutton, #1212, Plant City, Florida
David is focused on the education of his team to provide consistent premier customer service. His ability to identify associates with potential has been instrumental in developing his contenders. David is committed to delivering his best and sets a great example for his associates to follow.
Miami Division
District Manager James Saul (previously store manager at #428, Boca Raton, Florida)
James believes in being intentional through communication and building strong relationships to inspire his team. He also donates his time and talent to numerous community projects. James leads by facilitating open communication with his team and trying to bring out the best in every associate.
Support
Director of IT Application Delivery Terry Walden
Terry is always focused on customer service and how results will help deliver solutions to business areas. She takes the time to train and make sure her team is highly productive. Terry stays current on industry and technology advancements to ensure she provides the best solutions possible for her customers.
