Jennifer began her Publix career in 1989 as a cashier at #356, Lakeland, Florida. She moved to information systems in 1993 as a help desk analyst and worked in various software development positions before being promoted to information technology (IT) application delivery manager in 2008. In 2016, she was promoted to her current role, where she oversees IT teams who provide technical solutions for electronic payment processing.
Where were you born?
Titusville, Florida
What did you want to be when you were little?
A writer or a trainer for seeing-eye dogs
What brought you to Publix?
My mom. Although she’s never worked at Publix, she’s been a longtime fan and kept telling me what a great company Publix is to work for. I am grateful she guided me to Publix — among many other areas of my life!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the people, the fast pace and the variety of work. I work with many interesting, talented associates, and I learn so much from them every day. With technology, there is never a dull moment, and I’m usually working on different projects at the same time.
What’s your work or life philosophy?
Stay humble and find more than one way to be successful. I’ve learned that careers and personal lives don’t turn out exactly how we expect. Having backup plans and making the most out of everything that comes our way results in things turning out even better than expected.
What’s happening in your area that you would like to share with the Publix family?
We are developing faster, more convenient payment methods and continuing to focus on innovation to ensure the best possible customer experience.
Online Exclusive
What are some of your favorite movies?
American Sniper, This is Where I Leave You, My Cousin Vinny, and Pretty Woman
What do you enjoy most about working at Publix?
I enjoy working on challenging opportunities and being a part of helping others advance their careers. I appreciate the value Publix places on promoting from within, and nothing is more satisfying to me than seeing someone who has worked hard get promoted.
What’s your favorite Publix memory?
My favorite memory of all is meeting my husband, Jeff, when we both worked at #356. We’re celebrating 23 years of marriage this year.
What hasn’t changed about Publix since you started?
Our focus on customer service hasn’t changed. It was the core value I was taught as a cashier, and it’s the core value I am passing on to IT teams when developing solutions, resolving technical issues and keeping our systems secure.
What has changed about Publix since you started?
Customer expectations have changed and are evolving much faster now. For example, customers are more comfortable with technology and expect to be able to order and pay in ways beyond the traditional in-store checkout lane.
What are your favorite books?
I like biographies the best.
What’s your favorite sports team?
I’m a University of Florida alumna and root for them any chance I can. Go Gators!
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I don’t get to do it often, but binge-watching Netflix would be my guilty pleasure.
What are your hobbies?
Family and traveling. I enjoy spending time with my three boys. They’re 14, 18 and 20. Now that the boys are older, my husband and I are also getting a chance to travel a little more. We love New York City and recently discovered how much we enjoy the music and food in Memphis.
