SWARNER ASSOCIATES

Strategies for Innovation and Growth

At Swarner Associates, we deliver high-impact strategies in two specialized areas: management consulting and technology modernizing.

Whether you need focused expertise in one discipline or the powerful synergy of both, our approach helps leaders build stronger teams, adopt transformative technology, and drive sustainable growth.

Executive Leadership & Faith-Based Communications Consulting

We partner with churches, denominational associations, educational institutions, and staffing networks in developing sustainable creative teams in communications, media, worship arts, and design. Drawing on 18 years of church communications leadership, we are able to:

  • Assess current resources and identify high-impact ways to better support church creative ministries.
  • Develop customized workshops tailored to the distinctive needs of church creative teams.
  • Provide strategic guidance on team structures, healthy culture, communication practices, leadership pipelines, and succession for creative ministry leaders.

Ideal partners: Churches and faith-based nonprofits committed to strengthening their leadership and creative teams.

Technology Assessment & Refinement

We help small businesses run smoother with practical, hands-on technology support, explained in plain language, not tech-speak.

  • Custom desktop software and database development
  • Legacy system support and modernization
  • Hands-on IT troubleshooting and support
  • Vendor evaluation and technology decision support
  • Ongoing technology guidance for small business owners

Best for: Small businesses running older systems who need practical, hands-on technology support.

Whether your focus is one discipline or both, Swarner Associates will build a tailored plan just for you.
One firm. Two specialized practices. Total flexibility.

About the Principals

Steve Swarner

Steve Swarner

Steve Swarner is, first and foremost, a people person who happens to have spent decades as a software engineer. He’s built systems for the energy, insurance, and manufacturing industries, but what sets him apart is his empathy for non-technical users — he has never lost the ability to meet people where they are, without jargon or condescension.

That rare combination of deep technical expertise and genuine ease with people makes Steve a comprehensive resource for development, troubleshooting, training, and support. From office/accounting systems to claims processing to CNC cutting machine software to natural gas sales and marketing tracking, his broad programming experience — paired with real people skills — can make a lasting difference in your office’s functionality and productivity.

Lori Swarner

Lori Swarner

Lori Swarner has spent 40 years doing something deceptively simple: helping people work well together. As a communications director, team builder, and leadership coach/mentor, she has built healthy, productive teams across organizations of every size — not through a one-size-fits-all playbook, but through techniques she’s developed and refined by paying close attention to what actually helps people thrive.

That same attentiveness runs through her 18 years of hands-on church communications experience across two congregations. Lori knows firsthand the unique dynamics of creative teams that blend staff and volunteers, vision-driven communication, and mission-focused creativity — and she brings that practitioner’s instinct to every organization she consults with.

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