By Suzanne Schmidt
Staff Writer
From modest beginnings as a part-time cashier 16 years ago, Dawne Carn has become a district manager for Publix.
She spent the last three years as the store manager of Publix at 2121 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. The store is one of the company’s busier stores. Carn, of Hudson, is now the district manager for 11 stores in Pinellas and Pasco. The closest store she oversees is the Publix at 18901 SR 54 in Lutz at The Shoppes at Sunlake Centre.
“I didn’t start off with Publix thinking I would stay,” Carn said. “Then I saw the company and the people who work for Publix are absolutely phenomenal. I love to be an advocate for Publix.”
Carn said she is thrilled about her new promotion.
“The smile has not left my face,” Carn said. “It is a great feeling to know I have the ability to impact so many people.”
Even though Carn is happy with her new position, she said she misses her old store.
“I will miss the community and how it helped me to grow,” Carn said. “I enjoyed meeting the people there in the community. I will not be working too far from the store, so I plan to come and visit.”
Doing things for the community was an important part of the job to Carn. She said she will use her experiences with the Land O’ Lakes community in her new position.
“We worked with the chamber and we tried to stay involved with the community,” Carn said. “It is important to Publix as well as the people who work for Publix. Keeping the connection with the community alive is essential. I have seen a lot of unique ways to do it. I am going to do the best job possible and take good care of my customers and associates.”
Addison Avila is the new store manager at Publix on Collier Parkway. He was the store manager of the Temple Terrace store for nine years. Before that he was a store manager of a Publix on Bayshore Blvd. in Tampa.
“I like being here in Land O’ Lakes because it is a really warm community,” Avila said. “I enjoy that it is very family oriented.”
Avila was interested in the job at Land O’ Lakes from the moment he heard about it.
“I am familiar with Land O’ Lakes and I have frequented this store,” the New Tampa resident said. “I love the atmosphere and the facility. I am very impressed with the employees here.”
Since Carn did such a phenomenal job, Avila said he is not making any big changes.
