ORLANDO, Fla. — Food Marketing Institute here Tuesday said it has posthumously named Samuel Randolph "Randy" Roberts, the former director of government relations at Publix Super Markets, the winner of the Glen P. Woodard Jr. Public Affairs Award.

Roberts died suddenly last February at age 36. The award was presented to Roberts' widow, Sara, at FMI's Midwinter Executive Conference here.

“Working with lawmakers and competing interests, Randy became a consummate bridge-builder, always seeking common ground," said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and chief executive officer, FMI. "The industry has lost one of its most passionate and effective advocates. Yet, the industry has gained a sterling example of the right way to represent the industry, balance work and life, and benefit communities.”

Roberts devoted extensive time recruiting political candidates who understood business and was instrumental in forming the Central Florida Business Leadership Institute, which teaches pro-business political candidates how to campaign for office, FMI said.

In addition, FMI presented its William H. Albers Industry Relations Award to Donald R. “Don” Knauss, chairman and CEO of The Clorox Co., for his excellence in trading partner relations and consumer and community service.

“Don is known for his down-to-earth leadership style,” said Sarasin. “The guiding principle he lives by is to take care of his people first. He succeeds by looking out for the best interests of his team and by connecting with his customers and employees around the globe.”

The William H. Albers Award was introduced in 1955 in honor of the first chairman of the Super Market Institute, one of FMI’s predecessor organizations. Knauss is the 66th recipient of the award.

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