Publix leaders recognized as ‘Top Women in Grocery’
June 15, 2022
Progressive Grocer has named 5 Publix associates to its annual Top Women in Grocery list. The honorees span 3 categories: Senior-Level Executives, Rising Stars and Store Managers.
“We are proud to have these 5 leaders receive this recognition for their hard work and dedication,” said 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
Renee is responsible for the development, implementation and support of technology solutions for our 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 us to administer nearly 7.4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Renee 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
Donna provides strategic direction for our 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 our stores and provides hiring managers with an effective tool to compare and identify top candidates. Donna was also essential in supporting our 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, Christine 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. Christine 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, Jennifer 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 Publix. 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
Crystal 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 our formal program as well as offering informal mentorship for associates. Crystal also invests in associates by frequently working alongside them to help develop their skills and build relationships.
About this recognition
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, to March 1, 2022.
Read about this year’s top women in grocery award recipients on Progressive Grocer’s site.