Dec. 5, 2024 — Publix Super Markets celebrated the 2024 Atlanta Division George W. Jenkins Award recipient, District Manager Kayla Dean, Flowery Branch, Georgia, at the company’s retail operations conference in Orlando, Florida.
Her leadership team describes Kayla as a standout leader focused on communicating, coaching her team by perpetuating the Publix culture and instilling a sense of ownership among all her associates.
“It’s important to me to encourage my team members to achieve their personal best,” said Kayla. “When our associates trust and believe in themselves, they can achieve what they’ve set out to accomplish.”
Kayla said one of the most humbling parts of receiving this award has been hearing how much of an impact she has had on her team and knowing how much trust her leadership has in her ability to lead effectively.
“When I came to Publix, it immediately felt like home,” said Kayla. “Experiencing the culture and growth opportunities firsthand has shaped me into the leader I am today. I am thankful for the opportunities Publix has given me to continue to grow.”
About the honoree
Kayla started her Publix career in 2014 as a grocery replenishment specialist and worked her way up through the grocery department before becoming an assistant store manager. In 2020, she was promoted to store manager in Atlanta. She was selected for this award while serving as a store manager in Flowery Branch, Georgia, and was recently promoted to district manager.
About the George W. Jenkins Award
Named after Publix’s founder, the George W. Jenkins Award is one of the company’s most prestigious awards. It is presented to one store manager from each of the company’s five divisions and one support area manager who exemplify leadership, perpetuate the Publix culture and demonstrate their commitment to his ideals. As part of the award, each recipient is presented with a special green Publix jacket, marking them as members of this deserving group of honorees.
Kayla joins Charlotte Division Store Manager Dan Ratchup, Jacksonville Division Store Manager Jason Parrish, Lakeland Division Store Manager Steve Ellis, Miami Division Store Manager James Gooze, and Director of Emerging Business & Private Brands Karen Hall as this year’s George W. Jenkins Award recipients.