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UMR announces new chief executive officer Robin Russell, Oct 23, 2009
Bob Mathews
By Robin Russell Managing Editor
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. 14, 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.
“I’m extremely excited,” Mr. Mathews said. “This will be an assignment like none other that I’ve had, yet it’s certainly related to what I have done. Hopefully I will bring some insights into the commercial part of the business, but I’m also excited about the editorial side of the business.
“Another thing is I’m really excited about is the personnel. They’re good people. Really good people.”
A native of Indiana, Mr. Mathews has an MBA from Indiana University and a bachelor’s of science degree in industrial engineering from Purdue University. He is an active lay member of Kirkwood (Mo.) United Methodist Church.
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.
He has managed a $500 million budget and a staff of up to 2,500 employees, and has a significant record of growing sales and market share, managing operations and developing strategic planning for commercial printing firms in St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago and Kingsport, Tenn.
“Leading UMR requires the right balance between a business and a ministry,” said UMR board member Mark Gwaltney, who served on the search committee. “Bob brings excellent business leadership experience that, coupled with the skills of the UMR staff and board, will be a tight partnership to grow UMR.”
UMR Communications is the parent company of the award-winning United Methodist Reporter newspaper, and has helped churches, church agencies and other mission institutions communicate their stories of ministry and service for more than 160 years.
The Dallas-based company has diversified its services, which now include customized Reporter editions; design and production of brochures, catalogs and promotional materials; bound-volume printing; and digital resources, including variable data products.
Bob Mathews
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. 
