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April 14, 2026 — Publix honored Charlotte Division Assistant Store Manager Tabitha Davis with a 2026 Mr. George Community Service Award at the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting. 

Tabitha recalled that her interest in joining Publix stemmed from its tuition reimbursement program, but she quickly discovered that she could help her community and build a career here.

“I started seeing how much Publix’s mission is very much in alignment with my personal belief system, so it really drove me to dive in,” said Tabitha. “I believe that a community is only as strong as its foundation, and that foundation is built by people who are willing to lend a hand without expecting anything in return.”

Tabitha has been involved with dozens of organizations, and she said her volunteer efforts grew from a basic relationship with United Way, which began in 2009 and led to her being awarded the Community Impact Volunteer of the Year in 2018. 

“Besides volunteering on projects, I also helped United Way refine metrics through grant reviews,” said Tabitha. “Understanding how chapters use their funding helps prevent duplication of services and ensures funds are used fairly.”

Tabitha takes exceptional pride in seeing a project that she advocates for go from the drawing board to reality.

“We saw a huge need for a greenway — a bike and walking path — and we were able to get funding to create the largest greenway project in the Triad area of central North Carolina to connect four major cities,” she said. “When we were able to share this project and investment with the local schools, the parents were so thrilled to know their kids could get to school safely. It’s the moment, for me, that data became a human story.” 

She was moved when Publix CEO Kevin Murphy and Executive Chairman Todd Jones told her that she earned this honor.

“Receiving this award is incredibly humbling because it carries the name of a man who set the gold standard for corporate and personal citizenship,” Tabitha said. 

She added that this recognition serves as a reminder to continue leading with a service-first mentality in everything she does. Her next goal is to create transformational partnerships between local businesses and nonprofits to solve systemic community issues.

About Tabitha

Tabitha began her Publix career in 2007 in customer service at a store in Merritt Island, Florida. She worked in various roles over the next decade and was also a centralized trainer based in Melbourne, Florida. In 2021, she moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she was promoted to customer service manager. In August 2025, she was promoted to her current role of assistant store manager. 

About the award

Each year, one associate from each retail division and one support associate are recognized with the Mr. George Community Service Award. The associates are actively involved in their communities and represent the generous spirit of Publix founder George Jenkins.

Other award recipients

Tabitha joined the rest of this year’s recipients.