Announcing Our New Parish Administrator

Please join us in welcoming a new staff member, Sue Ellen Swanson, who joins us as our new Parish Administrator on February 1!

Sue Ellen is delighted to to take on this role and is grateful for the warm welcome already she’s received since she began attending services in November 2025. She brings a background in leadership, administration, and public service from her earlier roles as school-based mental health therapist, SSA Disability hearing assistant, and is a certified tennis official.

An alumna of Mercer University, Furman University, and NC A&T State University, she earned her undergraduate degree in Human Development and Psychology and her graduate degree, summa cum laude, in Counseling and Human Resources (Leadership, Training & Development). She has spent many years working in roles that require organization, discretion, and thoughtful support of both colleagues and the public.

Sue Ellen officiates collegiate tennis matches and tournaments across the Southern section, mentors new officials, and is an avid genealogist. She especially enjoys spending time with her books, screens, friends and family, and she looks forward to supporting the parishioners, ministry, and mission of St Matthew’s.

Sonja Tilley, who is retiring from the Parish Administrator’s position on February 28, and Sue Ellen will overlap in this position for the month of February. This will provide ample time for training and ensure a smooth transition.