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April 15, 2025 — Publix Super Markets honored Lakeland Division Assistant Store Manager Liz Plemons with a 2025 Mr. George Community Service Award at the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting.

Plemons began volunteering with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life events. Her love of giving back took off when she served as a Publix coordinator for United Way in 2009.

“That showed me just how many organizations in our community could really use a helping hand,” said Plemons. “I’m especially devoted to those that help children and animals.”

Over the past several years, she has given her time to many nonprofits in Polk County, Florida, including Boys & Girls Club, March of Dimes, One More Child, Heartland for Children and Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine.

Since 2020, Plemons has also served on the events team for the Polk County Bully Project, a foster-based animal rescue. That group and Achievement Academy, a charter school for children with special needs, are the two causes she is most passionate about.

“The team at Achievement Academy is just amazing,” said Plemons. “It’s more than a job for those who work there, and you can tell how passionate they are about the kids. It’s heartwarming to be involved with people like that.”

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

“I love that I’m able to advocate for organizations that I’m passionate about and get the word out about them,” Plemons said.

One of her future goals is to become a board member of an organization she’s dedicated to helping.

About Liz

Plemons began her Publix career in 2007 as a bakery clerk in Lakeland, Florida. She also worked as a cashier and customer service staff before joining the corporate purchasing department. In 2013, she returned to retail as a decorator apprentice and became a decorator in 2014. Plemons was promoted to assistant bakery manager in 2015 and then bakery manager in 2017 while working in various stores throughout Lakeland. She was promoted to her current role in 2023.

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

Plemons joined the rest of this year’s Mr. George Community Service Award recipients, who were