LAKELAND, FL - Publix has been a busy bee with growth on the mind, recently doubling down on its Southern U.S. expansion plan, expanding new concepts, and investing in a $400 million distribution facility. But now, the grocer has set its sights inward, improving its operations and leadership with several new promotions set to go into effect September 1.

“Developing talented leaders is important to our future success, especially as we continue to grow,” said CEO and President, Todd Jones, in a press release. “I am proud of our ability to continue to perpetuate our Publix culture of promotion from within.”

Alison Midili Smith has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Human Resources, where she will be responsible for the strategic oversight of human resources, media and community relations, and customer care and social media. Midili Smith joined Publix in 1995 as a part-time intern in the human resources department, and was hired as Manager of Selection Systems just one year later. In 1999, she was promoted to Director of Employment and Staffing, and then Director of Organizational Development in 2004. Midili Smith was promoted yet again in 2013 to the role of Vice President of Talent and Organizational Development, and was named Vice President of Human Resources in 2016. Prior to her meteoric rise at Publix, Midili Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Emory University, and a master’s and doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of South Florida.

Also in the human resources department, Marcy Benton has been promoted to Vice President of Talent Management. Benton will report to Midili Smith and will be responsible for associate relations, associate services, policies and procedures, diversity, recruiting, and selection and performance management. She started at Publix in 1992 as an Expense Accounting Clerk and joined human resources in 1995. After holding various positions in the department, Benton was promoted to Manager of Associate Diversity in 2001. In 2013, she was promoted to her current position of Director of Retail Associate Relations. Before kicking off her career at Publix, Benton earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida, and a Master’s degree in business administration from the University of South Florida. She was also a recipient of Publix’s George W. Jenkins and President’s awards.

Woody Rayburn has been announced to fill the new position of Vice President of Real Estate Assets. In the new role, he will be responsible for managing Publix’s growing shopping center portfolio and leveraging and acquiring assets as investments for the company. Rayburn began his career at Publix in 1993 as Manager of Business Analysis. He was promoted to Asset Manager in 2000, and then in 2003 was again promoted, this time to his current position as Director of Real Estate Assets. Before starting his time at Publix, Rayburn earned a Bachelor’s of business administration in accounting from the University of Notre Dame. He was also a recipient of Publix’s President’s Award.

Congratulations to Alison Midili Smith, Marcy Benton, and Woody Rayburn on their exciting and well-deserved new promotions!

Publix