Our most prestigious honor, the George W. Jenkins Award, was named after our founder. It’s presented to 1 store manager from each of our 5 divisions and 1 support leader. Recipients of the award exemplify leadership, perpetuate the Publix culture and demonstrate their commitment to our founder’s vision.

Here are our 2023 George W. Jenkins Award recipients.

Atlanta Division

Store Manager Joy Daniell, #1409, Florence, Ala.

Joy knows the importance of connecting with each of her associates. She spends time getting to know each one, explaining why making a career at Publix is so rewarding and stressing the importance of leadership.

Charlotte Division

Store Manager Josh Stubblefield, #1846, Louisville, Ky.

Josh works to uphold the strong culture at Publix and lives the Mr. George lesson of “being there” for his team. He treats everyone with dignity and respect and connects with the hearts and minds of his associates. He tells his team to never give up and always give their best.

Jacksonville Division

Store Manager Wes Oliver, #716, St. Johns, Fla.

Wes trusts his team members to get the job done and gives them credit for the results. Over the years, he has earned a reputation as someone who prepares his associates for opportunities, embraces Publix’s promote-from-within culture and encourages diversity.

Lakeland Division

Store Manager Denise Peterson, #426, Fort Myers, Fla.

Denise values the relationship she shares with her associates. She always tells her team to stick to the basics and have a servant mentality. Denise believes we all need to perpetuate Mr. George’s legacy of providing premier service and making Publix a great place to work.

Miami Division

Store Manager Carlos Fonseca, #127, Miami

Carlos spends time getting to know his associates and explains to them why making a career at Publix is so rewarding. His main goal as a store manager is to embody the principles of a true servant leader, consistently placing the needs of others before his own and fostering a culture of teamwork and support among his associates.

Support

Senior Director of Accounting Ken Stanger, Lakeland, Fla.

Ken is a leader who exemplifies change and personal growth. He is visionary, strategic and adaptable to help Publix continue to improve. He is also a champion for his associates and is a role model for leading by example.

More about the award recipients

Learn more about this year’s honorees by visiting the Publix newsroom. You can also find previous recipients at the Associate Awards page on PASSport.