Publix Leaders Recognized Among 2021 Top Women in Grocery

ByLaura A.June 15, 2021
Marsha Singh

For 15 years, Progressive Grocer has celebrated 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 2021 awards recognize women for their overall excellence and continued achievements such as leading innovative corporate initiatives, executing strategic objectives, achieving exceptional performance benchmarks and showcasing insightful problem-solving from April 2020 to March 2021. Honorees are recognized in one of three categories: Senior-Level Executives, Rising Stars or Store Managers.

The outstanding women below are recognized as some of Progressive Grocer’s 2021 Top Women in Grocery!

Senior-Level Executives Category

Marcy Benton, Vice President of Human Resources

Years with Publix: 28 years

“I’m honored to receive this recognition,” Marcy said. “I want to thank Publix Super Markets for the opportunity to be part of an amazing company. I’m grateful to all those who have invested in me, and my hope is to continue to inspire, motivate and help others accomplish their dreams.”

Progressive Grocer Top Women in Grocery logo

Rising Stars Category

Maria Brous, Director of Communications

Years with Publix: 30 years

“While I am humbled to be included with leading women in the industry, I share in this recognition with my team members who are the true rock stars each and every day,” Maria said. “We work for the greatest company with dedicated associates who give so much of themselves to support our customers, communities and each other.”

Marsha Singh, Regional Director (Lakeland Division)

Years with Publix: 27 years

“I am truly honored to receive the prestigious Top Women in Grocery award by Progressive Grocer!” Marsha said. “My hope is to inspire women throughout our industry to lift and motivate one another as they grow careers in the grocery business. Earning this award for the second time is truly humbling, and I am grateful for the recognition.”

Cindy Roberts, Business Development Director of General Merchandise and Health and
Beauty Care

Years with Publix: 30 years

“I am honored to be recognized by Progressive Grocer as one of the Top Women in Grocery!” Cindy said. “I have the sincerest gratitude for so many Publix leaders who have mentored and developed me over the past 30 years of my career. Our culture is the legacy of our founder, Mr. George Jenkins. This legacy is continuously perpetuated in service to our customers, communities and associates as well as commitment to our brand.”

Lillian Cook, District Manager — Central North Miami Division

Years with Publix: 36 years

“I am truly humbled and extremely excited to be chosen for this award and to represent the Miami Division of Publix,” Lillian said. “I am thankful for my management team, our retail support staff, my leaders and all the associates I have the pleasure to work with every day. My favorite Mr. George quote is ‘It’s been said we are not only in the grocery business; we’re in the people business.’ This quote represents to me our company’s philosophy and how we should go to work each day.”

Store Managers Category

Tiena Davis, Store Manager, #561, Marietta, Georgia

Years with Publix: 37 years

“This recognition means the world to me, and I am proud to be able to share this with my husband, daughter and son for all their support, encouragement and love,” Tiena said. “I am honored to be awarded as one of the Top Women in Grocery working for the best company in the world. It is so rewarding having such a large family at Publix. My associates and customers are why I do what I do daily. I truly care about everyone and have met some of the most amazing people at Publix.”

Elesha Prince, Store Manager, #723, Decatur, Georgia

Years with Publix: 20 years

“I am completely humbled by this recognition,” Elesha said. “I always try to come to work to make a difference in something or someone  every day. To be recognized for a job I truly enjoy is an honor. As someone who never got to meet Mr. George personally, I always try to keep him in the back of my mind and ask myself, ‘What would Mr. George do?,’ then I push myself to make an impact as he did and continues to do today.”

Abbie Van Wagner, Assistant Store Manager, #1111, Gainesville, Florida

Years with Publix: 18 years

“It’s an honor to be recognized for the things that so many of us do every day,” Abbie said. “I’m extremely proud to represent Publix and all of the phenomenal women who serve as leaders in our company, as well as the team that supports me each and every day.”

For more information about this honor and additional details about each winner, check out this article on Progressive Grocer.

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