Our story
Over two decades ago a local church-based ministry launched in Fayetteville, Arkansas and quickly grew. In October 2003, Workmatters was born. We convened small groups of marketplace professionals and monthly breakfasts. From those humble beginnings, we now have world-class leaders – some of which are nationally renowned and others who are just as wise but not widely known – sharing invaluable experience with our Workmatters friends, followers, and Workmatters Institute participants.
Workmatters’ resources, from the Workmatters Institute to small group curriculum to on-demand video-based studies and devotions, have touched over 700,000 people around the globe.
For more than 20 years, Workmatters has been helping Christians in every corner of the marketplace discover the sacredness of their work. While our team has evolved over those years, two things remain constant.
We bring a wealth of experience: We come from backgrounds in business, retail, design, marketing, entertainment, education, entrepreneurship, ministry, and nonprofit.
We bring a tremendous heart for people: Each Workmatters teammate has a deep desire to walk alongside Christians as they awaken to how God wants to shape them at their work and what He wants to do through them in their work.
We are so grateful for all that God has done and we are working hard to pursue our vision of everyone being formed into the image of Christ in work, at work, and through work.
Paying Attention to God In, At, & Through Our Work
We believe that there is a formational aspect of work
God desires to walk with us in every aspect of our lives, including our work! And what happens there can be as sacred as any other moments of our week
In our work we can yield to the Holy Spirit and be formed into the image of Christ. Solving problems, collaborating with others, submitting to our boss, and doing hard things are all opportunities for us to become more like Jesus.
At our work we can join the Holy Spirit and be part of the spiritual formation of others. We can join the conversations that God is already having with the people we work with.
& Through our work we can collaborate with God to bring redemptive change to the world. Our work is the primary way we partner with God to become the answer of Jesus’ prayer, “Your Kingdom come – your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Team
Brandon Swoboda
I’m a Texan and have the pride to prove it! I graduated from Texas Christian University with a BS in Communications and later from Dallas Theological Seminary with a Masters in Theology: Pastoral Leadership. Prior to my role at Workmatters, I’ve been a pizza franchise owner, a real estate investor and owner, executive director of a non-profit affordable housing organization, church planter and pastor, middle school and high school teacher and coach, national sales account manager, and a board member of a Haitian-led non-profit organization focused on business development and education. My varied background in business ownership, management and non-profit leadership has helped me to develop a passion for spiritual transformation that occurs in and through work.
When I’m not at the office, I am probably playing pickleball, working on our land, on the water, or spending time with my wife, seven children and daughter-in-law.
When I was younger, I dreamed of being a cowboy, a Texas Ranger, and eventually Governor of Texas. That dream is still very much alive…as my dad always says…Remember the Alamo!
Eric Greenhaw
I graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in Business Finance. My career path includes three years in sales for a freight company, followed by 19 years in major and planned giving fundraising for a Christian university. I have served as Vice President of Development at Workmatters since April 2023. I truly enjoy working with the faithful and generous supporters who make our mission and vision possible!
I love the outdoors, especially being around rivers and lakes. Music is a big part of my life. I love guitars, concerts and music stores. I am blessed with a wonderful family.
My childhood dream job was to be an orthodontist or dentist.
Darrel Harvey
I can’t believe I’m in my 5th decade in the workforce and I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had. Prior to Workmatters my vocation has been expressed as a church planter, small business owner, coach, spiritual director, and as a connector in the Northwest Arkansas business community. Those may seem like disparate and disconnected roles but there is a through-line. Each of them gave me the opportunity to ‘hold up the mirror of belovedness’ to a wide range of people aching to know God loves them.
I am a trained listener and speaker and constantly learning to ask better questions. I am the grateful husband to Krista Harvey, father to five amazing grown children, and grandpa to three spicy grandchildren. You will most likely find my wife and I biking or hiking on our awesome trail system or listening to live music on one of the wonderful patios around NWA.
Throughout my teenage years I wanted to be a high school teacher and coach. God has been gracious to give me a taste of those careers and I assure you, there is nowhere I’d rather be than Workmatters.
Sarah Wolters
I am a graduate of Harding University with a Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Media Production with a focus in film and English. I find joy in capturing the beauty of life, sharing people’s stories, and taking ideas and making them tangible. I found that passion through my previous roles as a videographer, photographer, and content manager for nonprofits and a local marketing agency. I even got to drive that passion while working at a spa in New Zealand during a year abroad after college.
Visiting national parks, critiquing movies, making emotionally specific playlists on Spotify, going on walks, and thrifting are what you can find me doing in my free time. Ideally, I would do all of those things on the same day.
As a kid, I wanted to be a librarian. I loved spending the summers going to our local library with my mom and brother. I believed the librarians secretly lived inside the library and thought it was so cool that I wanted to live there when I grew up, too.
Jessica Simms
Prior to my role at Workmatters, I was an Assistant Director of Communications for the Razorbacks at the University of Arkansas. At the U of A, I worked alongside the Razorback Softball, Volleyball, Gymnastics, and Women’s Tennis teams. Leading up to my time at Arkansas, I spent multiple years working in collegiate athletic programs, including the University of Louisiana-Monroe, where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, and at Howard Payne University, where I completed my Master of Education degree in Sport and Wellness Leadership.
I am energized by the challenge of meeting new people and bringing harmony to groups. What I love about my role at Workmatters is serving and cultivating the potential of our partners and participants. Those in my circle would say I have a contagious enthusiasm and am optimistic, hopeful, and fun-loving.
I am a New Jersey native and mom of twin girls, Austin and Kendall, we love to spend time outside and enjoy weekend trips and rollerblading together.
When I was younger, I wanted to be a doctor, even more specifically a surgeon – but now I pass out at the sight of blood.
Jayni Mitchael
I graduated from John Brown University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry and Formation. I am passionate about making those around me feel welcomed and appreciated and I enjoy cultivating the potential I see in people. Before my role as Specialist, Projects and Culture at Workmatters, I utilized those skills and passions as an RA at JBU and barista and shift leader at Scooters Coffee and 7 Brew Coffee.
If you couldn’t guess from my previous experience, I am a coffee lover. On my days off you will likely find me reading a book or hand embroidering my next project at a local coffee shop, OR walking around trails with my husband and sweet little girl.
When I was little, believe it or not, I wanted to be a trashman. I loved the idea of hanging off the back of the truck like they used to!
Terra Melanson
I started working for Walmart Home office straight out of high school. I spent 12 years climbing the corporate ladder taking on various roles from data entry to management in technology. I love working with individuals to identify their needs and implement systems and workarounds to make their jobs better!
My husband, daughter and I love outside adventures; we travel as much as possible. I personally love restoring antique furniture, trying new foods and a good auction.
When I was younger, I wanted to be a hairstylist. I loved to go outside and cut the grass with scissors!
Board of directors
Our Founders
David Roth founded Workmatters as a 501(c)3 in October, 2003 following its launch at Central United Methodist Church in 2002. He and his wife, Theresa, have served the faith and work community in many ways as Workmatters has transformed as a nonprofit through the years. After serving as its president and CEO for 20 years, Roth retired in December 2023.