Ateeco COO to retire in December

KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - The Ateeco, Inc. plant, seen from Herald Road on March 16, 2023.

SHENANDOAH – Shenandoah’s largest employer will have a new Chief Operating Officer to start 2025, and she’s no stranger to the company.

Ateeco, Inc., makers of Mrs. T’s Pierogies, announced Tuesday that Mark Tarzwell, current Chief Operating Officer, will retire on Dec. 31, 2024.

Taking his place will be LeeAnn Smulligan, current vice president of operations. She has worked at Mrs. T’s for two decades.

“On behalf of Mrs. T’s, I would like to extend our gratitude to Mark. Mark’s leadership has been integral to Mrs. T’s Pierogies and we are grateful for his dedication and vision,” Tom Twardzik, owner of Ateeco, said. “Mark embraced our culture and enhanced it with his unwavering passion to help all our associates succeed. We look forward to his continued leadership and involvement as he supports LeeAnn in her transition and ensures a seamless path for the company’s growth in the years ahead.”

“Working alongside this dedicated, passionate, and values-driven team at Mrs. T’s, has made my success in this position possible,” Tarzwell said. “It’s been a wonderful ride and I look forward to seeing the great work that lies ahead under the guidance of LeeAnn and her team.”

The company described Tarzwell as “a driving force behind Mrs. T’s operational excellence, fostering growth and profitability especially during the historically challenging times of the pandemic.”

About Author