DALLAS—Robert Mathews, a lifelong United Methodist and print-industry executive from Kirkwood, Mo., has been named the new chief executive officer of UMR Communications, effective Nov. 1.
Mr. Mathews succeeds Sarah E. Wilke, who had been CEO since May 2004 before leaving to accept a post as world publisher and editor for Upper Room Ministries in Nashville, Tenn.
The organization’s board of directors made the announcement Oct. 19, at the end of a national search process that began in July. Board members said they believe Mr. Mathews will take UMR to a new level in the communications industry.
“Our search for a new CEO has been extensive, and we believe that effort has paid off,” said UMR board chair Shari Goodwin. “The UMR Board is very pleased to have someone with Mr. Matthews’ experience and vision leading us into the future.
“He has a good understanding of the value of both print and digital media, and we look forward to working with him and our staff to expand the scope of UMR’s ministry and support of the United Methodist Church.”
Known as a visionary and pragmatic leader, Mr. Mathews has expertise in transforming organizations and building self-sustaining teams. He brings strong communication skills at all levels, and now feels a calling to make a difference in faith-related communications.
An industry-leading executive with proven successes in both publicly traded and privately held printing companies, Mr. Mathews most recently was chief operating officer of Mail Communications Group. Before that, he was president and chief executive officer at Von Hoffman Corp., a privately held provider of commercial print-related products.
The Reporter will have a full story in the Oct. 30th edition.
Robert Mathews
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