Workmatters announces Swoboda as chief executive

Fayetteville nonprofit Workmatters announced Wednesday (Sept. 13) that Brandon Swoboda is its new president and chief executive. Board chair Steve Blair said the appointment is effective Oct. 2.

Swoboda spent the past five years as the executive director of the Fayetteville nonprofit Habitat for Humanity of Washington County.

“Brandon is uniquely qualified to step into this role at this time in the ministry’s growth,” Blair said in a news release. “He brings so much to the table including his passion for the faith-and-work cause, proven leadership skills, experience building and leading teams in both business and non-profit settings, and extensive experience building meaningful relationships with donors. In addition, his vision for growth closely aligns with what the board envisions for the future of Workmatters.”

Workmatters founder and chief executive David Roth announced details of a leadership transition this past April. He will continue as a consultant through the end of the year after Swoboda begins the job on Oct. 2.

Workmatters is a non-denominational Christian ministry aimed at finding purpose in work. It began at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville in 2002, and after just one year, it became a non-denominational nonprofit.

Roth, WorkMatters’ founding board member, left his job as vice president of sales and marketing at J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. to lead Workmatters as president in 2003.

“Twenty years ago, God picked the most unlikely person to steward Workmatters,” Roth said. “It has been an incredible honor and privilege to work alongside amazing team members and board of directors to equip over one million leaders in Arkansas, the US, and around the world.”

Amanda Brumbelow, board president for Habitat for Humanity Washington County, said Habitat’s board and staff are working together to hire Swoboda’s successor.

Habitat mobilizes volunteers, community partners and donors to build and repair homes for families in need. Since 1991, Habitat has built over 58 homes in Washington County.

“Brandon Swoboda’s impact on Habitat for Humanity Washington County and our community cannot be overstated,” Brumbelow said. “His leadership has been instrumental in setting the organization on a trajectory to touch the lives of so many families in need, ultimately creating a lasting legacy of positive change.”