April 17, 2024 — Publix Super Markets recognized Atlanta Division Store Manager Hermith Coleman with a 2024 Mr. George Community Service Award at the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting. 

For Coleman, giving back to her community directly reflects who she is and where she comes from. Her humble beginnings started at an orphanage in Haiti. 

“I feel compelled to give back. The only reason I stand where I am today is because someone gave back to me,” Coleman said.

When asked about a time that stood out in her years of giving back, Coleman pointed to an experience in 2023 through her volunteer work with CASA as a court-appointed special advocate. CASA volunteers are committed to making a difference for children who might otherwise slip through the cracks in an overburdened foster care system. 

“One of the things I do with CASA is teach foster kids how to prepare for college,” said Coleman. “I was mentoring a girl who wanted to drop out of high school; she constantly gave her family a hard time. Today, that girl is a college graduate with a steady job.” 

Coleman will always cherish the feeling of watching her CASA mentee graduate college. 

“She had all the potential inside of her,” said Coleman. “She just needed someone to invest the time to show her it was there.” 

Coleman was brought to tears when told she was selected as a Mr. George Community Service Award recipient. 

“Publix is successful because we don’t just sell groceries,” said Coleman. “It is an honor to work for a company that prioritizes giving back to the community, and I promise to continue sharing my love for helping others.”

In the future, Coleman plans on creating a podcast focused on mental health. 

About the honoree 

Coleman started her Publix career in 2010 as a deli clerk in Marietta, Georgia. She was promoted to assistant deli manager in 2015 and worked her way up to assistant store manager in 2020. In 2021, Coleman was promoted to store manager, and today, she serves her customers and associates in Mableton, Georgia. Coleman continues to find ways to better herself personally and professionally with Publix and aspires to become a district 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. These associates are actively involved in their communities and represent the generous spirit of Publix founder George W. Jenkins. Recipients receive a personalized award, a feature in an internal company publication, dinner with Publix executives, three paid days off and $5,000 donated to the charity or charities of their choosing. 

Coleman joins Charlotte Division Store Manager David Kuehl, Jacksonville Division Store Manager Danita Washington, Lakeland Division Store Manager Matt Humphreys, Miami Division Grocery Replenishment Specialist Ody Infante, and Senior Supply Chain Replenishment Manager Brad Shiver as this year’s Mr. George Community Service Award recipients.