Foundation Partners Group Appoints New Directors to Guide Future Growth

Four new members bring deep expertise in deathcare, transformation & financial services

WINTER PARK, Fla. (October 23, 2025)  Foundation Partners Group, the nation’s second largest provider of funeral services, today announced the appointment of four seasoned executives to its board of directors. The additions, effective immediately, broaden the board’s collective experience across the deathcare, consulting and financial services industries.

The new directors include:

• Mark Laber, managing director at global consulting firm BRG
• Knut Olson, CEO of Federal Life Insurance Group
• Raphael “Ray” Wallander, owner, chairman and CEO of Maxwell Bay Advisors, LLC
• Bill Williams, former president & CEO, and current consultant at Funeral Services, Inc. (FSI)

“This outstanding group of funeral industry veterans and business transformation leaders share our vision for the future of deathcare, and the vital role Foundation Partners will play,” said John D. Smith, CEO of Foundation Partners Group. “Their insights will be instrumental as we scale as a unified operating company and continue delivering end-of-life care rooted in simplicity, transparency and trust.”
Director Profiles

Mark Laber

Laber, a managing director within the corporate finance and turnaround practice at BRG, has advised on more than 50 transactions across multiple industries during his tenures at BRG, FTI and PwC. Based in New York, he specializes in working with companies and their investors during times of operational improvement and change.  

Knut Olson

With more than 30 years in life, health and annuity insurance, Olson is known for driving innovation, capital management and product development. As CEO of Federal Life Insurance Group, he launched a global reinsurance business and expanded accident and health operations. Previously, as president and CEO of National Guardian Life Insurance Company, he led upgrades in industry ratings and grew niche markets including preneed and long-term care insurance.

Raphael “Ray” Wallander

Wallander, founder of Maxwell Bay Advisors, has advised and served on the boards of more than 10 private companies. He specializes in corporate transformation, restructuring and governance. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Wayzata Investment Partners, including corporate counsel and general counsel.
Bill Williams

A licensed funeral director since 1980, Williams has deep experience in funeral home and cemetery management, as well as regulatory and legislative advocacy. He served as president and CEO of Funeral Services, Inc. (FSI) for more than two decades before its acquisition by Argent Financial Group, where he now consults on funeral and cemetery trust administration and preneed programs.

“I am proud to welcome these leaders to the Foundation Partners board,” Smith added. “Together, we are well-positioned to support our frontline teams and advance our mission of providing meaningful, family-centered care.”

About Foundation Partners Group  

Winter Park, Florida-based Foundation Partners Group is one of the industry’s most innovative providers of funeral services and the second-largest funeral home group in the country based on the number of families served. Foundation Partners owns and operates a network of over 250 funeral homes, cremation centers and cemeteries across 21 states. Our deep understanding of technology and customer experience-centered approach allows us to deliver truly innovative and compassionate care to the families we serve. Visit www.foundationpartners.com to learn more.

Preneed Growth Rate Increase from National Guardian Life Insurance Company

Madison, Wis. (September 15, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is pleased to implement a variety of growth rate increases on new Preneed policies, effective September 8, 2025.

“At NGL, our dedication to partners is rooted in collaboration, innovation and a focus on creating long-term growth,” says Cameron Black, Senior Vice President, Preneed Sales and Business Development, for NGL. “As a mutual carrier, we believe our success is also your success. With product growth rate increases across all our preneed insurance offerings, we are delivering sustainable results and reinforcing our commitment that positions all of us for continued growth today and tomorrow.”

Increasing the growth rate on its products allows NGL’s partner agents to offer customers even more competitive products that can better meet their preplanning goals. As a longtime leader in the insurance industry, NGL is dedicated to serving policyholders and partners by offering high-quality products that are also among the safest and most stable in the industry.

Specializing in a suite of insurance products, NGL prides itself delivering on its promises across generations with collaboration and compassion. For our partners we provide a competitive funeral prefunding portfolio, superior customer service, marketing materials and more.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

There is no doubt that while many investors (and President Trump) have waited for the Federal Reserve to set lower interest rates going forward and negotiated tariff rates lots of other investors have simply stayed invested and have found gains in the stocks of the S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq.  Those indexes have returned gains of 10.4%, 7.1%, and 12.6% respectively year-to-date (up to September 5) in 2025.

And, of course, if you had invested in the Morningstar Global Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Index, that you can read about here, your investment would have grown 26.4% year-to-date up to September 5.

However, if you had put your money into the four stocks that comprise the Funeral Director Daily Death Care Index (DCI) from January 2 to September 5, 2025, you would be sitting on a negative return of just less than 1% for the same time period.  The unscientific Death Care Index is comprised of owning one share of stock of each of four public companies that have at least a portion of their revenues coming from Death Care.

Those stocks are Service Corporation International, Carriage Services, Matthews International, and Security National Financial Corporation (SNFC).  The DCI had a cumulative value on January 2, 2025 of $155.13 and on September 5, 2025, virtually two-thirds through the calendar year, the DCI rests at a cumulative value of $153.88  —  for a decrease in value of just under 1%.

Here’s a graphic of the information contained above:

Carriage Services bucks the trend — Carriage Services stock value increased in the time period from $39.02 per share to $42.74 per share, an increase of 9.53%.  As you can see from the chart above they were the only DCI stock to have a measurable gain for 2025’s first eight months.

This article from Yahoo Finance reports keys that management mentioned in their 2nd Quarter 2025 remarks that led to that increase.  Included among those key factors were:

• Funeral Segment volume growth
• Strong Preneed sales momentum
• Overhead Cost reductions
• Portfolio repositioning — The divestiture of non-core assets (presumably funeral home and cemetery facilities) coupled with the acquisitions of “higher growth, high-margin properties” (presumably funeral home and cemetery facilities).

Disclaimer-– The author of this article for Funeral Director Daily is a shareholder of Service Corporation International, Carriage Services, and Security National Financial Corporation.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

ICCFA University 2025 Ignites Passion, Purpose, and Professional Growth in Deathcare

STERLING, Va. (August 6, 2025) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of ICCFA University 2025, held July 18–23 at the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. The event welcomed 168 students from across the profession for an intensive week of education, inspiration, and personal growth.

Hosted annually, ICCFA University brings together deathcare professionals for a uniquely immersive educational experience unlike any other in the field. Students choose from nine colleges—including 21^st Century Services, Cremation Services, Hospitality & Customer Experience, Land Management & Grounds Operations, Leadership, Management & Administration, Technology, Sales & Marketing, Funeral Home Management, and the School of Graduate Studies—each offering expert-led instruction designed to challenge, engage, and elevate. College Deans and faculty members included some of the most respected educators and practitioners in the profession.

“This program continues to be one of the most meaningful and transformational experiences we offer,” said ICCFA Executive Director Nadira Baddeliyanage. “The diversity of curriculum, depth of faculty knowledge, and energy among students is unmatched. Our attendees don’t just gain skills—they gain lifelong mentors and colleagues.”

Classroom learning was only part of the impact. ICCFA University 2025 also fostered a powerful spirit of connection through evening events like Student Trivia Night and Sports Night and culminated in the University Graduation and Graduate Reception on July 22, celebrating both certificate recipients and those who completed their fourth college to officially become ICCFAU graduates.

Among the many highlights of the week was the graduation address delivered by valedictorian Sandra Goldman, who movingly captured the spirit of the University. “When we enrolled at ICCFA University, we expected education. What many of us did not expect was transformation,” she shared. “We thought we would fill our notebooks. Instead, we filled our hearts… We are not in the business of death. We are in the ministry of meaning.”

Sandra, who lives with metastatic breast cancer, offered a profound testimony of resilience and purpose. “Our work is not about what ends,” she told her fellow graduates. “It is about what remains. The story. The love. The meaning we leave behind.”

“Each year, I’m humbled to watch how this program helps shape the next generation of deathcare leaders,” said ICCFA University Chancellor Jeff Kidwiler, CCE, CSE. “From first-time students to seasoned professionals, everyone leaves here reenergized, refocused, and reconnected to the heart of what we do.”

“This event exemplifies the soul of our profession,” said ICCFA President Bob Gordon, Jr., CCE. “It’s one thing to teach skills; it’s another to cultivate excellence. ICCFA University continues to be a source of both.”

Planning is already underway for next year’s ICCFA University, which will return to the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta. ICCFA University 2026 will take place July 17–22, 2026.

For more information and updates, visit iccfa.com/university.

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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.

Foundation Partners Group Launches Next Chapter with New Investment, New Ownership and Bold Plan for Growth

WINTER PARK, Fla. (August 4, 2025) – Foundation Partners Group, the second-largest funeral home provider in the U.S., today announced a transformational milestone in its growth journey, including new ownership, increased investment in its people and facilities, and a strategic reorganization to strengthen field operations and support care teams.

“These changes are bold by design,” said John D. Smith, CEO of Foundation Partners Group. “They reflect our commitment to operational excellence, a people-first culture, and a unified organization focused on growth and delivering exceptional care to families.”

A Stronger Foundation with Institutional Investors

The company is now backed by institutional investors who share its vision and commitment to the future of funeral care. These investors have committed fresh growth capital—effectively recapitalizing the business with modest leverage and strong liquidity.

“This is a vote of confidence in our team, our strategy and our future,” Smith said. “Our investors believe in what we’re building—and their investment gives us financial flexibility to grow, improve facilities and invest in our people.”

A new Board of Directors will be announced in the coming weeks.

Organizational Realignment to Empower the Field

To better support the 250+ funeral homes, cremation centers, and cemeteries across 21 states, Foundation Partners is realigning leadership and operations:

• Execution resources are moving from the Support Center to the field.
• ‘Centers of Excellence’ are being built within the Support Center to enable field success, and more effectively serve families.
• Data, analytics and technology are being elevated to drive smarter, faster decision-making and growth.

“As part of this shift, some leaders are transitioning out, and others are stepping into expanded roles,” Smith said. “We thank all those moving on for their contributions and are excited about the next generation of leadership driving performance where it matters most—in service to families.”

Investment in People, Facilities and Service

Smith emphasized that Foundation Partners is entering a new phase focused on organic growth, team development and modernizing infrastructure:

• Facility upgrades and transportation fleet improvements are underway.
• Care centers are being enhanced to improve workflow, and elevate service and consistency.
• Investments in training and tools will enable team members to serve with greater pride and effectiveness.

“After years of growth through acquisition, we are now building a high-performing operating company driven by shared values, empowered people and consistent standards of care,” Smith said. “The future is bright—and it starts with our people.”

About Foundation Partners Group 

Winter Park, Florida-based Foundation Partners Group is one of the industry’s most innovative providers of funeral services and the second-largest funeral home group in the country based on the number of families served. Foundation Partners owns and operates a network of over 250 funeral homes, cremation centers and cemeteries across 21 states. Our deep understanding of technology and customer experience-centered approach allows us to deliver truly innovative and compassionate care to the families we serve. Visit https://foundationpartners.com/ to learn more. 

Last week I read this article authored by Kenio Fontes from Seeking Alpha concerning Death Care behometh Service Corporation International (SCI) and titled “The quiet dividend machine you probably overlooked“.  As is the custom of Funeral Director Daily I will not comment on the specifics of a stock market related article, but it brings about an issue for me in trying to define retail funeral businesses as “Growth” investments or “Income” investments.

Let’s start with my simple explanations of “Growth” vs. “Income” investments.  In a “Growth” investment, I put in $10 for a share of stock and hope that at some point in time that stock “grows” to a value of $15 or $20 (or more).  I then gain from the sale of the stock at some point in time.

With an “Income” investment I’m not so worried about the growth of the share of stock but want to collect the annual dividend that the company pays on its earnings.  Let’s say a $10 share of stock pays a 50 cent dividend — that would be equal to a 5% annual income return.  And, I always look for companies that continuously raise their dividends — let’s say that same company pays a 60 cent divident the following year.  Well, that’s equal to a 6% return on my original $10 investment.  If this continues, what you have, in essence, is something akin to a certificate of deposit that pays a “step up” dividend, or rate, each year on your initial investment.  Finally, if purchased for “income” one is not so concerned with the increased growth of the stock. . . as long as it does not lose value.

So, with that preamble, is a retail Death Care stock, such as SCI, a growth or income story — or a little of both?  And, might the investor world be changing their outlook on how one looks at an investment in SCI with the increasing number of direct cremation and other changes in Death Care?

According to Seeking Alpha, Service Corporation International stock has grown at a rate of 179% for the last ten years.  So, every $1,000 invested in SCI in 2015 is approximately worth $2,797 today.  In addition, SCI is paying a current dividend yield of 1.57% which, if that rate had been constant, would have paid a stockholder with that initial investment of $1,000 about another $157 over that ten-year time.

Today’s Value of $1,000 invested in 2015

Let’s compare that to another company located in my vicinity in another industry that is historically seen as an “income” industry with low growth —  that being the power generation industry.  If you had invested that same $1,000 in Otter Tail Power in 2015 that would have, according to Seeking Alpha, grown to about $2,895 today and with a current dividend of 2.67% collected you would have added another $267 in dividends.

So, my purpose today is not to compare these two companies, but to wonder if Death Care public companies should be looked upon more as “Income” opportunities — with dividends being raised for investors and less capital spent on the “Growth” side for acquisitions — or if the companies should continue to spend on and borrow for acquisitions fueling hoped-for growth in valuations?  I think it is an interesting question.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

On the flip side of our comparison today, we have the utility industry which has for a long period of time been looked on as stable “Income” opportunities, now being looked on by some as “Growth” investment vehicles because of the amounts being spent on artificial intelligence and the need for more power generation for that medium.

Finally, the stodgy utility industry, at least in our comparison of Otter Tail Power and Service Corporation International shows more percentage revenue growth than the Death Care industry.  SCI, in their last full pre-pandemic year of 2019, listed revenue as $3.19 billion.  In 2024 they listed that revenue number as $4.19 billion — an increase of 31.2% over the time period.

Otter Tail Power showed revenue of $919.5 million in 2019 and  1.32 billion in 2024 — an increase of 43.6% over the same time period.  Again, it is one utility company vs. one Death Care company, but the teeter-totter of “Income vs. Growth” definitions seems to be moving.

Final Thought — The vast majority of funeral homes in North America are not owned by public stock market companies.  They are individual ownership much like I owned my firm for 33 years.  And, it is interesting because the owners of those firms much like me, don’t always realize it, but they balance “Income vs. Growth” also.

Those owners balance that equation by what amount of cash you take out of the business for yourself year after year and what amount of resources you put into growth  — which might be indicative of advertising, other marketing, staffing such as preneed personnel, physical additions, acquisitions,  and the like.

So, whether you are an investor or a funeral home owner make sure that you balance “Income vs. Growth” and your expectations with an idea of what is happening in the business environment that surrounds you.

Disclaimer — The author of this article for Funeral Director Daily is a shareholder of Service Corporation International and Otter Tail Power.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

CANA Releases 2025 Annual Cremation Statistics Report: Shows National Cremation Rate Growth Slowing

WHEELING, IL— The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) continues its commitment to providing accurate and comprehensive cremation statistics to the death care industry and consumers. With over 25 years of data collection from state and provincial vital statistics departments, CANA’s cremation statistics are widely regarded as the most reliable and current in the field. The latest reports for 2025 have been released, featuring final 2023 cremation data, newly released 2024 data, and projections to 2029 and 2034. 

CANA’s research shows that the national cremation rate has grown steadily and predictably for the last 50 years, indicating that neither the recession nor the pandemic have influenced the growth rate on a national level. After decades of rapid growth in the United States, CANA can confirm that the national growth rate is slowing after reaching 61.8% in 2024. It is a common statistical occurrence for the growth rate to slow once it hits 80%. 

SLOWER, BUT STEADY GROWTH IN CREMATION NATIONALLY  

CANA’s 2025 Annual Statistics Report shows that the annual cremation growth rate is slowing overall. This supports the association’s observation over the past few years that the US is entering a “deceleration” period of cremation. The US is 15 years behind Canada, where the cremation rate surpassed 76.7% in 2024.  

By 2033, CANA research predicts the cremation rate in all states will reach or exceed 50%, with the national rate surpassing 70%. In 2025, there are only six states where the cremation rate has not yet reached 50%; six states and four provinces have already surpassed 80%. After adding a new color to the popular “heat” maps of cremation rates to highlight the individual states and provinces with cremation rates above 80%, CANA has now retired the color that indicated states where the cremation rate had not reached 30%. 

“These cremation statistics can be applied to a range of business decisions, helping you to weigh your options in a number of ways,” said CANA President Ryan Wiseman, co-owner of Porter Funeral Homes in Kansas City, KS, and Lenexa, KS, and the Cremation Society of Kansas and Missouri, which has four locations around the Kansas City area. “I can speak from personal experience about the value and practical application for this information when you’re looking for help to guide the choices you make on behalf of your business. The CANA statistics were fundamental in helping us make the decision to open our Cremation Society location 20 years ago. Based on the data in CANA’s annual report, we were able to project what the future was to bring and estimate what families would be looking for when a loved one would die.” 

OTHER FORMS OF DISPOSITION 

CANA tracks data on all forms of disposition, including the newest forms of cremation – alkaline hydrolysis (AH, also known as water cremation) and natural organic reduction (NOR, also known as human composting). Practitioners, consumers and media outlets often ask about the effect of new forms of disposition on the cremation rate, but CANA’s estimated data shows that AH and NOR processes remain a negligible factor at this point. They account for 0.3% in states where the methods are practiced and 0.1% nationally. AH and NOR are not currently affecting the cremation rates at the state, provincial or national levels. 

ABOUT CANA RESEARCH 

The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) publishes the Annual Cremation Statistics Report and other research to illuminate trends in the profession. This research is often used by the media to shape their articles and by CANA’s members to guide their future business plans. Derived from six data models, CANA publishes projections with accuracy, leaning conservative, to deliver reliable information to the leaders of the profession. 

In addition to the Annual Statistics Report, CANA will be conducting several other research projects to provide insights into cremation arrangement practices, modern cremation practices, and consumer awareness and preference for traditional and emerging disposition methods. The association remains committed to gathering accurate and comprehensive cremation statistics to serve the needs of the death care industry and consumers. 

CANA research is available exclusively for members of the association. For more information on CANA’s statistics, visit www.cremationassociation.org/IndustryStatistics. 

CANA Members can read the full report in The Cremationist or log in to www.cremationassociation.org/CremationistMagazine. 

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About CANA 

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization. 

From Grief to Growth: First-Ever Mushroom Casket Burial in North America Signals Cultural Shift

In a forest clearing in Maine, a daughter’s farewell becomes a symbol of a regenerative future.

INDUSTRY, MAINE — June 2, 2025 — On a quiet hillside in rural Maine, artist Marsya Ancker will lay her father, Mark C. Ancker, to rest. But this burial, steeped in love and transformation, is a historic first: the first mushroom casket funeral ever held in North America.

For her father’s burial, Marsya selected the Loop Living Cocoon™ mushroom casket. Crafted entirely from mycelium — the root structure of mushrooms — the innovative casket is grown in just seven days and biodegrades completely within 45 days once buried, enriching the soil and nourishing new plant life.

“My father always told me that he wanted to be buried in the woods on the property that he loved so much,” says Marsya Ancker. “He wanted his final resting place to nourish the land and plants he cherished.”

Since 2021, Loop Biotech’s Netherlands-based operation has facilitated thousands of mushroom casket burials across Europe, but the Maine service marks the first such burial in North America.

Green burial, which gained renewed attention in the 1990s, replaces traditional embalming chemicals, hardwood caskets, and synthetic linings with biodegradable materials that enable natural decomposition.

A Movement Growing from the Ground Up 

The nonprofit Green Burial Council, founded in 2005, has become the leading authority on environmentally conscious burial practices. The organization has documented remarkable growth in the green burial movement, seeing a 72% increase in demand from cemeteries for sustainable end-of-life options.

“The growth we’ve seen in green burial has been extraordinary, from just one provider in 2005 to over 470 cemeteries across the United States and Canada today,” says Emily Miller, Board member and Treasurer of the Green Burial Council “As awareness of the environmental impact of conventional burials and cremations increases, more people are seeking meaningful alternatives that honor both their loved ones and the earth.“

In the United States alone, conventional burials use an estimated 4.3 million gallons of embalming fluid, 20 million board feet of hardwood, and 1.6 million tons of reinforced concrete every year, according to the Green Burial Council.

Crafting a Regenerative Farewell

Loop Biotech, the Netherlands-based company behind the Living Cocoon™ mushroom casket, is part of a new wave of innovations designed to reverse environmental harm in the funeral industry — and reimagine how we say goodbye. 

“Funerals can be more than endings — they can be beginnings,” says Bob Hendrikx, founder of Loop Biotech. “We created the Loop Living Cocoon to offer a way for humans to enrich nature after death. It’s about leaving the world better than we found it.”

The Ancker Family’s service was supported by Wiles Remembrance Centers in Farmington, Maine, and carried out on private land in Industry, ME. The family chose to keep the ceremony small but hopes that by sharing the story, it might inspire others to consider more conscious, earth-friendly ways of saying goodbye.

“The Loop Living Cocoon makes it easy to create a beautiful place of remembrance,” says Marsya. “One that will bring joy and contemplation for generations to come.”

About Loop Biotech
Netherlands-based Loop Biotech transforms the global funeral industry with the Loop Living Cocoon™—a fully compostable casket grown from mushrooms that gives back to the earth. Strong and protective, it features no harmful chemicals while returning nutrients to the soil and turning every farewell into environmental healing. Soft, lightweight, and elegant, the casket facilitates natural decomposition of the body. Since 2021, the company has enabled over 2,500 burials across Europe. Loop products are Intertek certified for burial in traditional and green cemeteries as well as cremation. Visit Loop Biotech online to learn more and view their full product catalog.

Heritage Family Partners with Tribute Technology to  Enhance Digital Growth and Succession Success 

May 13, 2025 – Heritage Family, a premier succession planning company that helps funeral home owners navigate ownership transitions, is excited to announce a new strategic partnership with Tribute Technology, the leader in websites and digital solutions for the funeral profession. As the first step in this collaboration, all 66 websites for Heritage Family locations have been moved to the Tribute Technology platform, providing enhanced digital solutions for funeral homes across the network. 

With this transition, each Heritage Family location now benefits from Tribute Technology’s modern,  mobile-responsive website designs, integrated tools, and an improved user experience, enabling funeral homes to better serve families and connect with their communities. 

“We are thrilled to begin this partnership with Tribute Technology to help empower the firms we support with the best technology available to serve families,” said Lindsey Granson, Executive Operations, Sales & Marketing Leader at Heritage Family. “The designs Tribute offered us help to set us apart in the market, and the onboarding and training of our field team was seamless. Our firms have already seen increases in SEO and revenue from the websites launched on the Tribute  platform.” 

Courtney Gould Miller, President, Commercial Markets at Tribute Technology, added, “We’re  honored to be the digital foundation for Heritage Family and the incredible firms they support. This partnership is about more than just websites — it’s about helping local funeral homes thrive and  grow, giving them the tools they need to stay connected and lead as digital brands in their  communities.”

Looking ahead, Heritage Family will also transition to Tribute Management Software. This all-in-one  platform will streamline funeral home operations by combining case management, collaboration tools, document handling, and reporting, all while integrating seamlessly with other Tribute Technology services. 

This strategic partnership marks a significant step forward in supporting Heritage Family’s mission to  ensure funeral homes continue to succeed through thoughtful succession planning, digital innovation, and exceptional service. 

About Heritage Family: Heritage Family offers a succession planning alternative backed by more than 80 years of experience acquiring and supporting service-minded funeral homes. Heritage is committed to honoring the traditions, staff, and values each firm brings, while continuing the legacy its owners have built in their communities. 

About Tribute Technology: Tribute Technology is dedicated to empowering funeral professionals with best-in-class technology solutions. Serving over 9,000 end-of-life providers worldwide, Tribute  Technology’s innovative software and services—including website platforms, marketing solutions,  management software, online planning, memorial keepsakes, and payment processing—help funeral  professionals save time and focus on supporting families. Learn more at www.tributetech.com. 

Tribute Technology Expands Executive Team to Accelerate Innovation and Growth

WAUNAKEE, WI — Tribute Technology, the leading provider of software and marketing solutions for funeral homes, cemeteries, and cremation businesses across North America, has announced the appointment of Craig Greenseid as Chief Executive Officer. This strategic move further strengthens the company’s leadership bench as it enters its next phase of growth, platform innovation, and customer experience enhancement.

Greenseid is a seasoned executive with more than two decades of experience driving transformation and customer-centric strategies across the technology landscape. Most recently, he served as a Managing Director and Operating Executive within The Carlyle Group’s private equity portfolio where he focused tech companies on how they scale and operate effectively — experience that aligns with meeting the needs of Tribute Technology’s clients and the families they serve. 

Greenseid has been a Tribute Technology board member for more than two years, deeply involved in shaping the company’s strategic priorities and roadmap investments. His expanded role ensures continuity in execution and clear alignment for the company’s vision for the future. 

“It is an honor to join Tribute Technology as its CEO,” said Greenseid. “I am excited to lead this innovative company and continue working alongside the talented team to further its mission of delivering unparalleled solutions to the funeral and life celebration profession. Together, we will build on Tribute Technology’s strong foundation, serving our funeral home customers and the families they support in their communities.” 

Prior to joining Tribute Technology, Greenseid held senior leadership roles at companies such as Blackboard and PowerSchool — where he served as Chief Revenue Officer and led a go-to-market organization that significantly expanded the company’s reach in the K-12 education technology space, an area he remains passionate about as the husband to a veteran teacher with 23 years of experience. 

His appointment formalizes his transition from board advisor to operational leader, joining Courtney Gould Miller, President of Commercial Markets, and Matt Powell, Chief Technology Officer, who have been with Tribute Technology for a combined six years. Together they will drive Tribute Technology’s long-term strategic success.

“Craig has been an excellent partner to the Tribute Technology team while advising for Carlyle,” said Gould Miller. “His leadership, insight, and strategic perspective have been invaluable as a board member for the past two years. Having him step into the CEO role to lead the team through the next phase of innovation is ideal for our thousands of customers and our 450 employees.”

Over the past year, Tribute Technology has broadened its leadership team by appointing a new Chief Financial Officer, Anthony Cali, and Chief Operating Officer, Joshua Gibbs, which has reinforced the company’s commitment to stability and future innovation. The entire leadership team, combined with Greenseid’s operating expertise and passion for customer-centric products and service, positions Tribute to best provide value to the clients we serve with increased purpose and confidence.

As part of its ongoing investment in innovation, Tribute Technology also announced the launch of a completely reimagined obituary experience, now available across all Tribute Technology platforms. This enhanced offering is a testament to the company’s dedication to technology that centers the needs of grieving families while equipping funeral professionals with modern, meaningful tools.

With a strong financial foundation, Tribute Technology is committed to reinvesting in its platform, its people, and its partnerships—with a clear focus on helping funeral professionals thrive in a digital-first world.

About Tribute Technology
Tribute Technology is the leading provider of software and marketing solutions for funeral homes, cemeteries, and cremation businesses across North America. Trusted by thousands of firms, Tribute Technology’s suite of tools supports funeral professionals in serving families with compassion, efficiency, and modern digital experiences.