About JobWorks Career Ministry
We are a group of working professionals and job seekers committed to proactive career management through continuous learning and relationship building pursuant to the expansion of opportunities for immediate or future employment.
The Dignity of Work
In Laborem Exercens, Pope John Paul II discusses the value and need for every man to “work” as a way to participate in God’s plan for man on earth and to elevate each day’s work in such a way that it actually becomes divine.
Mission:
We are a group of volunteer professionals who are dedicated to helping members of Catholic parishes and their communities at large to ensure anyone who is willing and able to work faces minimum periods of unemployment and finds meaningful work.
How we Do What We Do:
As a community, we work hard to help unemployed and underemployed job seekers and career changers through all-important networking, guidance, and actionable steps. Committed to proactive career management, we encourage continuous learning and meaningful relationship-building to help parishioners and communities prepare for the evolving work demands of the AI era and to support members in identifying new employment opportunities.
- Providing high-quality professional development and personalized mentorship to build confidence, career readiness, and strategic job search skills—all at no cost to participants
- Helping to cultivate meaningful human relationships that can open new doors to employment opportunities—the way up to 80% of jobs are filled
- Offering expert guidance and faith-based peer support to help navigate the challenges of job loss, career transitions and advancement
- Exploring and discerning God’s will to find spiritual meaning and purpose in job searches and career decisions
- Offering access to helpful resources, such as the Catholic CAREERING™ Book, How to Find and Maintain Meaningful Work in Today’s Economy, for practical, faith-rooted guidance
- Hosting periodic group meetings at Catholic parishes for shared learning, high-impact networking, and spiritual encouragement
Ministry Leaders
Paul Dean
Founding Director
“I am very proud to have personally helped so many people navigate career transitions with faith, fellowship, and practical support for over 25 years.
Paul has over 30 years of business experience spanning Information Technology to Forestry. A proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 7186, he also serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 209. He lives in Apex, NC with his wife, Barbara, and their two children, Andrea and Chris. Paul is a parishioner at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, and is a Founding Director of the JobWorks Career Ministry™. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science and Forest Management from Auburn University.
Dana Gower
Founding Director
“Job loss and career change is tough – our ministry provides people with clear direction, emotional support and dignity in a faith-based environment.
Dana brings over 40 years of diverse business experience in Human Resources and Financial Services. A longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 6650, he lives in Cary, NC with his wife and is the father of five terrific children and nine wonderful grandchildren. He is a parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, and is a Founding Director of the JobWorks Career Ministry™. Dana holds an MBA from Rollins College in Florida and A.S./B.S. degrees from the University of Maine.
Alton Delane
Director
“I am passionate about equipping people with support and connections to overcome challenges and move forward in their job-search and careers.”
Alton is the founder and CEO of EdMotion, an education technology company, and has over 20 years of experience as a former submarine officer and investment banker, advising emerging growth companies and venture capital investors. A member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 6650, he lives in Fuquay-Varina, NC with his wife and three children. Alton is a parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church and serves as Director of Marketing and Operations for the JobWorks Career Ministry™. He holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Coleen Guerriero
Director
“I have a genuine desire to make a positive impact in our communities by helping job seekers find their footing, rebuild confidence, and see hope.
Colleen is the founder and Chief Culture Officer of A Joyful Career, a culture transformation consulting and coaching firm. She has 30 years of business experience, most recently in Tech Sales Engineering and HR leadership roles. A Lean In Circle Leader, she lives in Apex, NC with her husband, Joe, their two amazing children, and their silky terrier, Buddy. Colleen is a parishioner at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church and is passionate about serving with the JobWorks Career Ministry™. She holds a B.S. in Telecommunications Management from DeVry Institute of Technology and an M.S. in Industrial Organizational Psychology.
Disclaimers
JobWorks Career Ministry™ (JWCM) is a volunteer-led ministry providing free encouragement, resources, and community support to job seekers. Career coaches, recruiters, and professionals frequently support the ministry by speaking, mentoring, or making themselves available to attendees.
JWCM itself has no financial gain from these engagements nor subsequent outside engagements with them by members. However, individual principals or outside supporters may receive compensation if a participant voluntarily chooses to engage their professional services or organizations they are affiliated with. Any such decision to engage is strictly between the JWCM member and the service provider.
No Business Transactions on Church Property