For Malinda, vice president of marketing, leadership at Publix is as much about people as it is about business strategy. Over her 20-year career, she has built her path step by step—each role deepening her understanding of the company, its culture, and the associates who make Publix special. 

“I started in the marketing department in 2005,” Malinda recalls. “From my first day, I knew this was where I wanted to grow. I’ve had the opportunity to learn something new with every role I’ve taken—and those experiences have shaped how I lead today.”

As vice president, Malinda oversees a department filled with diverse disciplines—from creative and analytics to strategy, data science, and brand marketing. “While I oversee the department, my biggest responsibility is to represent both the Publix brand and our customers throughout the organization. That means making sure every decision we make keeps our customers’ needs and experiences at the center.”

No two days look alike in her world. “Every day is different. One day might be focused on long-term strategy, another on mentoring associates, reviewing creative work, or collaborating with cross-functional partners. But every day includes time with people—supporting, listening, and helping our teams grow.”

Malinda’s career has been a master class in how relationships fuel success. She started in traffic management—now known as project management—learning the inner workings of the marketing department. Later, she joined the Lakeland Division marketing team, working closely with store and district managers. “That’s when I really began to understand how marketing supports retail. In marketing, we exist to help our stores succeed, and that perspective has guided me ever since.”

Over the years, she held leadership roles in marketing communications, brand marketing, and marketing operations before stepping into her current role. Each move, she says, “built on the one before it.” But what’s carried her through all those changes isn’t just skill—it’s people. “Relationships built on trust and respect are everything. I’ve worked with many of my peers for years, even decades. Those relationships make collaboration easier, feedback more productive, and the hard stuff less hard.”

Her leadership philosophy centers on authenticity and genuine care. “I want associates to feel supported, appreciated, and empowered. My door is always open—literally. When new associates start, we have ‘Coffee with Malinda,’ where they can ask anything. I want them to know it’s real—I’m here for them.”

When asked what she loves most about working at Publix, Malinda doesn’t hesitate: “The people. Hands down. I’m surrounded by smart, passionate, creative individuals who inspire me every day.”

“I’m inspired daily by the women in the marketing department and across the organization. They pursue their goals with strength, determination, and empathy. I hope my story reminds future leaders that there’s no one path to success—just a willingness to learn, build relationships, and lead with heart.”

That inspiration also comes from home. “My mom has always been my role model. She worked hard, worked smart, invested in herself and others, and led with both her heart and her head. I try to do the same.”

Outside of work, Malinda enjoys gardening, traveling, spending time with her family, and relaxing with her three-year-old goldendoodle, Sunny.