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April 14, 2026 — Publix honored Jacksonville Division Store Manager Muriel Lawson with a 2026 Mr. George Community Service Award at the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting.

Muriel developed a passion for volunteering in company programs over a decade ago, when one of her managers emphasized the importance of being a responsible citizen in her community. She began to understand it’s part of the Publix culture.

“What inspires me most to give back is the gratitude I see and feel when helping others,” said Muriel. “Being asked to come back and serve again reassures me that the work truly matters and makes a difference.”

Muriel has been involved with United Way for roughly 11 years. She serves on the board as a Publix representative and contributes on the Personnel Committee, supporting strong leadership, ethical people practices and effective talent management aligned with the organization’s mission.

She consistently encourages her associates to join her in volunteer events — reminding them that the impact they make is meaningful.

“Seeing the smiles on my associates’ faces as they realize they’re making a real difference in their community is something I’ll never forget,” said Muriel. “Witnessing that pride and purpose firsthand is incredibly powerful.”

Muriel believes the most important thing you can give is your time because time is personal and irreplaceable. “When you give your time, you’re fully present, and that’s when real connections are made and real change happens,” she said.

Muriel considers this award a true honor because it represents the heart of Publix and inspires her to continue serving and giving back.

The next big plan for Muriel is to participate in her district’s Publix Serves event later this month and partner with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity to create opportunities for her associates.

“Our founder showed us that when you lead with the needs of others in mind, you build more than a business — you build a community.” Muriel is grateful to be a part of the Publix family, and she follows the guiding philosophy that when you take care of people, everything else follows.

About Muriel

Muriel started her Publix career in 2008 as a cashier in Pace, Florida. After working in various roles, she was promoted to customer service manager in 2014 in Daphne, Alabama. Muriel then became an assistant store manager in 2016 and was promoted to her current role as a store manager in 2018 in Pace.

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

Muriel joined the rest of this year’s recipients.