Publix leaders recognized as ‘Top Women in Grocery’ by Progressive Grocer

Five associates included in 2022 list of honorees

Progressive Grocer has named five Publix associates to its annual Top Women in Grocery list. The honorees span three categories: Senior-Level Executives, Rising Stars and Store Managers.

“We are proud to have these five leaders receive this recognition for their hard work and dedication,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “It is a validation of the critical roles they play and the value they bring to their teams and our company.”

Senior-Level Executives honoree

Renee Kelly, Vice President of Information Systems Application Development

Kelly is responsible for the development, implementation and support of technology solutions for the organization, including all corporate and retail business areas. Her leadership has been instrumental in responding to the pandemic by implementing a digital pharmacy reservation system that enabled Publix to administer nearly 7.4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Kelly also oversaw a system enhancement to manage the tracking of COVID-19, support contact tracing and provide required reporting.

Rising Stars honoree

Donna Huska, Senior Director of Associate Development

Huska provides strategic direction for the organization’s associate selection and performance measurement, and diversity functions. During the last year, she led efforts to implement a preemployment assessment that gives job candidates a realistic preview of what it’s like to work in Publix stores and provides hiring managers with an effective tool to compare and identify top candidates. Huska was also essential in supporting Publix’s collaboration with the United Negro College Fund to launch a scholarship program to support minority college students.

Store Managers honorees

Christine Lambiase, Store Manager, #638, Jupiter, Florida

In 2020, Lambiase implemented success and appreciation meetings in her store to recognize associates for their hard work. She also posts customer letters of praise in her store’s break room. Lambiase mails birthday cards to her 160 store associates at home to show her care for them professionally and personally.

Jennifer Lomastro, Store Manager, #1538, Loxahatchee Groves, Florida

Amid the pandemic, Lomastro implemented an informal cross-training program across multiple departments to foster teamwork, allow associates to develop skills and take advantage of opportunities to grow in their careers with the organization. Her approach is so successful that associates request time with her so they can begin planning their individual strategy for success.

Crystal Marlow, Store Manager, #1456, Largo, Florida

Marlow encourages open communication with her associates and regularly reserves time to give them an opportunity to ask questions and share new ideas. She mentors associates in the company’s formal program as well as offering informal mentorship for associates. Marlow also invests in associates by frequently working alongside them to help develop their skills and build relationships.

Progressive Grocer celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of thousands of women at all levels in the North American retail food industry through the Top Women in Grocery awards. The 2022 awards recognize women for their overall excellence and achievements from April 1, 2021, through March 1, 2022.

This year’s top women in grocery award recipients are featured in the June 2022 issue of Progressive Grocer magazine. The complete list of this year’s recipients can be found at progressivegrocer.com/top-women-grocery.

Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 230,000 associates, currently operates 1,296 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. For 25 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.

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