When LeeAnn Smulligan MBA ’09 walks into a room, people listen, not solely because of her title, but because of the way she leads. With more than two decades at Mrs. T’s Pierogies, Smulligan has built a career rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and community. In 2025, that legacy earned her Alvernia University’s Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing her achievements in business leadership and her steadfast commitment to others.
Now chief operating officer of Mrs. T’s, Smulligan’s career journey mirrors the brand’s enduring success. She joined the family-owned company in 2002 as a marketing assistant, learning the business from the inside out. Through roles as director of marketing, vice president of operations and now COO, she’s helped steer the beloved pierogy maker through innovation and growth while honoring its family-centered values.
She employs a people-first philosophy that extends beyond the office. Smulligan chairs the National Frozen & Refrigerated Association’s Promotions Committee, serves as secretary of the board for Helping Harvest — the regional food bank serving Berks and Schuylkill counties — and is a member of VISTAGE, the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization.
In 2024, she was also nationally recognized with the Frozen and Refrigerated Buyer FoRWARD Award (Women Achieving Remarkable Distinction) for her mentorship and industry leadership.
Still, when she reflected on receiving Alvernia’s top alumni honor at the President’s Dinner, her thoughts returned to her decision to not only continue her education but pursue it at Alvernia.
“When I had the opportunity to earn my MBA at Alvernia, I had a few Saturday classes at the Upland Center,” Smulligan said. “During breaks, I would look at the portraits of past Distinguished Alumni Award recipients and be in awe of their accomplishments and Alvernia University’s profound impact on so many people, businesses, and communities. At that time, I knew I made the right decision to not only go back to earn my MBA, but an Alvernia MBA.”
She also recalled the lessons and interactions with faculty that helped shape her approach to leadership.
“When I earned my MBA at Alvernia, I expected to learn about finance, leadership and ethics,” Smulligan said. “What I didn’t anticipate were the relationships and real-world experiences. Classes were taught by practicing professionals who helped us connect theory to the challenges we face every day. It was not simply learning and repeating a concept, it was learning, applying and solving.”
She credits her MBA with broadening her business perspective and teaching her to see beyond a single department or metric and to understand how each decision influences the whole.
“My MBA gave me the critical thinking and confidence to make decisions that positively impact the direction and results of the business,” she said.
Her time at Alvernia also deepened her belief in continuous learning, a value she still lives out. In 2024, she completed the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Executive Education Leadership Program, adding another chapter to her lifelong learning journey.
That same curiosity defines the advice she now shares with others: “Have insatiable curiosity. Ask questions. Learn more. Embrace opportunities; be ready for them. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable, because that is usually where you will find the most growth.”
Smulligan’s reflections at the President’s Dinner revealed how she ties success to service — a hallmark of Alvernia’s Franciscan core values.
“Find ways to give back to your community, your industry and those less fortunate than yourself. We all have so much to offer and if we were each committed to giving just a little more, the impact would be great.”
Family remains at the heart of her story. She credits her husband, Charles, for his steady encouragement throughout her MBA journey, and their daughters, Carlee and Ellee, for inspiring her to model faith, perseverance and purpose.
She credits Tom Twardzik, second-generation owner and president of Mrs. T’s Pierogies, for playing a pivotal role in her journey. From the start of her career, he believed in her potential and helped guide her path. She also recognizes her mentors and colleagues who continue to challenge and support her; and her parents, who taught her that “the most important things in life are faith and family.”
Smulligan’s professional achievements and her devotion to others make her an exemplar of the university’s mission to develop ethically courageous leaders who serve with purpose.
Through her innovation, compassion and service, Smulligan doesn’t just represent Alvernia’s values; she lives them every day.
