NFDA’s Lesley Witter Named One of Nation’s Top Lobbyists by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics 

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is proud to announce that Lesley Witter, MPA, CAE, Senior Vice President, Advocacy, has been named one of the 2025 Top Lobbyists by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE). 

This prestigious, merit-based honor recognizes 100 government affairs professionals nationwide who have demonstrated exceptional legislative success, innovation, integrity and a commitment to ethical advocacy. While the award celebrates an individual, it also reflects NFDA’s powerful leadership and unwavering presence in Washington, D.C., as the only funeral service association with a full-time presence dedicated to representing the profession on Capitol Hill. 

“For decades, NFDA has served as the strongest and most trusted voice for funeral service in our nation’s capital,” said NFDA CEO Christine Pepper, CAE, MBA. “Lesley’s recognition as a Top Lobbyist underscores the strength and credibility of our advocacy program. Her expertise, dedication and integrity make her a force in our Nation’s Capital. I am honored to work alongside Lesley as we ensure that the needs of funeral service professionals and the grieving families they serve are represented with compassion, integrity and impact.” 

Witter has led NFDA’s advocacy efforts for nearly 19 years, shaping federal policy on behalf of thousands of funeral homes, funeral directors and grieving families nationwide. Her recent achievements include securing protections for embalming under the EPA’s final Risk Evaluation of formaldehyde; driving awareness of the need for oversight of the body donation industry; and advancing bipartisan legislation to honor and protect veterans and their families. 

“Lobbying and government affairs are essential to democracy because they give everyone a voice,” said Witter. “I chose to advocate for funeral service because I believe every voice deserves to be heard, not just the loudest or most powerful. This profession is about service, and lobbying in this space allows me to combine strategic advocacy with purpose-driven work. It’s about fairness, representation, and ensuring that those who serve others are not forgotten in the decisions that shape their ability to do so.” 

NFDA works year-round to monitor federal legislation, engage with agencies and lawmakers, and mobilize members through grassroots initiatives such as the annual NFDA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. From workforce challenges to veteran benefits and regulatory reform, NFDA’s leadership ensures the profession remains strong, respected and heard. 

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association representing 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit NFDA.org. 

Elevate Your Funeral Services: NFDA Teams up with InSight Institute to Host Celebrant Training Workshops in 2025

Brookfield, Wis. – Every life deserves to be honored in a way that reflects the individuality of the person being remembered. As more families seek personalized ways to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones, funeral professionals are embracing Certified Celebrants. To help funeral directors, funeral home staff, and other deathcare and end-of-life professionals create deeply meaningful services, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is proud to partner with InSight Institute to host two Certified Celebrant Training workshops in 2025. 

A certified celebrant collaborates with families and funeral directors to craft personalized funeral or memorial services that capture the essence of a person’s life. This training is especially valuable for those who wish to offer non-religious or alternative services that still provide comfort, connection and healing. NFDA will offer two Certified Celebrant Training workshops in 2025:

• June 25-27 at NFDA headquarters in Brookfield, Wisconsin
• October 24-26 in Chicago, Illinois, in conjunction with the NFDA International Convention & Expo 

What You’ll Gain from Certified Celebrant Training 

Guided by InSight Institute’s Glenda Stansbury MA, CFSP, this engaging and hands-on training will equip attendees with essential skills to:

• Lead meaningful and compassionate family meetings
• Design personalized ceremonies that celebrate life
• Incorporate music, readings and storytelling to create impactful tributes
• Enhance presentation skills for heartfelt delivery
• Serve as a Master of Ceremonies with confidence and grace
• Introduce the celebrant concept to their communities 

As traditional funeral services continue to evolve, certified celebrants play a vital role in helping families find comfort and healing through uniquely tailored ceremonies. This training is ideal for funeral service professionals ready to bring more personalization and heart to the services they provide. Registration for the June certification workshop is now open; registration for the October workshop opens June 2. Visit NFDA.org/Celebrant to learn more and reserve your spot. 

Scholarships Make Training Accessible 

The Funeral Service Foundation is committed to supporting professionals who wish to enhance their service to families. Up to 10 scholarships are available for the June session, each valued at up to $2,000. Scholarships cover the full registration fee, two nights of hotel accommodation and up to $500 in travel reimbursement. Scholarships are available to those who are verifiably affiliated with at least one funeral home and are interested in becoming a Certified Celebrant.

The scholarship application is open through April 15 at FuneralServiceFoundation.org/Scholarships. NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world.

NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit NFDA.org.