Laura Belko – Program Development Manager
Laura Belko is a U.S. Navy veteran where she served as an Aviation Structural Mechanic Chief Petty Officer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in nonprofit and association management from University of Maryland Global Campus. A resident of Crawfordsville, Indiana, Laura believes in ethical leadership through open communication, enthusiasm, integrity, civic engagement, and the continuous pursuit of equity for all. She measures success through the achievements of her communities and is active in supporting her local government and community organizations.
Laura is currently part of the Servants at Work, Inc team as Program Development Manager, working to increase impact through marketing and fundraising.
Byron Chaplin – Accountant
BA in Business Management from Westminster College, Pennsylvania. Five years with engineering firm in general accounting, tax preparation, budgeting/planning, corporate reporting and contract cost. Owned/managed service bureau providing bookkeeping, accounting, payroll and customized data processing services to small businesses and not-for-profits. Provided in-house accounting and related services for several not-for-profit organizations. Accounting tutoring with Ivy Tech Community College since 2013. Accountant for SAWs since 2015.
Rik Hagarty – Founder
Rik Hagarty founded SAWs in 2003 toward the end of his career in the transportation and logistics industry. Rik conceptualized and led the expansion of SAWs across Indiana and into other states. His experience in business development, sales and consulting has been instrumental to SAWs. Rik attended Indiana State University.
D. Michael Thompson – Executive Director
Mike joined the SAWs team in the Spring of 2022, taking over for the retired Bob Richmond. With over ten years of experience, he has worked and served with several Boone County nonprofits, including Boone County Habitat for Humanity, Western Boone Education Foundation, and Indiana University – Kelley School of Business. Mike also worked for thirteen years in product/design engineering for several automotive manufacturers and suppliers in Indiana and Ohio. With a Bachelors of Science from Ball State University, he then completed his Master of Public Affairs – Nonprofit Management Degree in 2017 from Indiana University. Mike has been married to his wife Julie for twenty-five years, with two adult sons, they are members of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and he enjoys volunteering, tinkering, innovation, and being outside.
Tim Thurston – Regional Hub Manager
Servants At Work (SAWs) recently hired Tim Thurston as Regional Hub Operations Manager. Tim brings years of experience in customer stewardship, business operations, and project management.
Tim and his wife, Becky, have three grown children and are active in their community. Growing up in the Indianapolis area, Tim remains active through volunteering with the Franklin Rotary Club, Leadership Johnson County, and many Indianapolis-based missions. In the fall, Tim is a varsity IHSAA football referee.
He graduated from Macalester College, St. Paul, MN with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies.