After 50 years of dedicated service, Vice Chairman of Publix Barney Barnett announced he will retire from Publix on April 30, 2019. He is one of only 20 associates who have reached this milestone.

While Barnett has announced his plans to retire as Vice Chairman of Publix, he will remain on the board of Publix Super Markets Charities. The Publix board of directors has also named him Vice Chairman Emeritus and will recognize him at this year’s annual meeting of stockholders.

“We are grateful for Barney’s 50 years of service to Publix, our associates, our customers and the communities we serve. His commitment to our culture has helped pave the path for our future successes,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones. “It has been an honor and privilege to work alongside him. We will miss him but also wish him well as he starts this next chapter of his life.”

Many organizations have recognized Barnett throughout his Publix career for his leadership and commitment to the community. The United Way of Central Florida named him Philanthropist of the Year in 2016 and presented him with the Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award in 2002. He received the Governor’s Business Leader Award in 2010 and was inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame in 2002.

Barnett began his Publix career in 1969 as an internal auditor in Lakeland, Florida. He was promoted to controller in 1977 and vice president of administration in 1986. In 1988, he was promoted to executive vice president, and in 1998, he moved into his current role.

Barnett is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Carol Jenkins Barnett, and continuing to support the communities they’ve served for so long.