Andrea Tucker
Operations Manager
As a leader in the manufacturing industry, I have the privilege to work with highly talented people from multiple backgrounds with various skill sets which is a true honor! In food manufacturing specifically, I have had the pleasure of producing high-quality products for families around the world to enjoy together!
Andrea Tucker has fostered a true culture of teamwork as Operations Manager at Smithfield’s facility in Wilson, NC. Under her leadership, employee morale and engagement have risen, and the facility holds this year’s record for the highest safety rate in the company. Andrea has also maintained competitive financial status for the facility and has championed Smithfield’s sustainability program by enhancing food safety and environmental stewardship efforts. Andrea’s dedication and hard work are palpable throughout facility operations. Her attention to detail and relentless pursuit of operational excellence have helped achieve a nearly 60 percent decrease in consumer complaints over the past four years.
As one of the few female operations managers in the U.S., Andrea embraces the opportunity to serve as a role model, often devoting time to guide and mentor other female employees. And for Andrea, this role isn’t just about business. For example, when one employee was experiencing issues as a single mother and was nearly homeless, Andrea organized living arrangements for the employee and her children. She then connected her with a local organization to help her find permanent housing—a testament to her caring leadership.
Andrea is a member of Dynamic Leadership Wilson, a local program that equips business leaders with the tools they need to succeed and to improve the community. Through this program, Andrea has participated in a number of events including fundraising for local charities and cleaning school classrooms and community parks. Through Smithfield’s partnership with the Opportunity Industrialization Center, Andrea also leads the Wilson facility’s hunger relief efforts, which include a yearly donation of more than 13,800 pounds of protein to this vital adult education and job training organization.