Rhonda joined Publix in 1986 as an accounts payable clerk and, after a two-year break in service, returned to the cost accounting department. She held various positions before becoming a senior purchasing manager in manufacturing supply purchasing in 1993.
She was promoted to BAR senior manager in 1997 and to her current position in 2014.

Where were you born?
Plant City, Florida

What did you want to be when you were little?
A flight attendant

What hasn’t changed about Publix since you started?
We’re never satisfied with sitting still, and we’re always hungry for the next challenge.

What do you enjoy most about working at Publix?
I really enjoy the people here. Interacting with and learning from associates with such diverse backgrounds and perspectives is always rewarding.

What are you most proud of personally?
Earning my master’s degree

What’s your work or life philosophy?
Work hard, play hard.

What are your hobbies?
Reading and camping, and scalloping in Homosassa, Florida. My daughter and I have a contest each year to see who can catch the most scallops.

What’s your favorite Publix product?
Raspberry Elegance Cake

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What music are you listening to right now?
I love country, but my favorite musician is Bruce Springsteen.

What brought you to Publix?
My sister-in-law already worked here, and I was pursuing a degree in accounting. So she encouraged me to apply in the accounting department.

What has changed the most about Publix since you started?
As our company continues to grow, the processes we have in place grow too.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love that what my team does has a direct impact on Publix. The things we do are tangible, and I love being able to see our work help make the company better.

What is your favorite movie?
Out of Africa

What’s your favorite book?
11/22/63 by Stephen King

What is your favorite sports team?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What’s your favorite Publix memory?
My favorite Publix memory is when I had the privilege of working alongside former Vice President Henry Pileggi to help develop the structure for centralized purchasing of fresh products in the late 90s. I knew it would be a game-changer for Publix and I was able to learn so much from Henry, not just about Publix, but about being a great leader.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Collecting fancy writing instruments

Can you share a fun fact about yourself?
My husband Larry is the Lakeland, Florida, chief of police.