Frank Robertson joins NGL as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Madison, Wis. (September 29, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is pleased to announce the addition of Frank Robertson as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. Robertson is an experienced financial executive who has led finance teams and successfully driven several large-scale transformational initiatives. He joins NGL with nearly 30 years of experience in insurance financial services.

Robertson will be responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including accounting, financial reporting and strategic planning. He will work directly with Joe Celentano, NGL President & CEO, along with the executive leadership team to drive NGL’s growth in selected markets and focus on long-term organizational success.

“We are excited to welcome Frank to our team,” shared Celentano. “He brings a wealth of experience in strategic financial planning, business transformation and leadership. Frank’s expertise aligns with NGL’s vision for the future. His financial and insurance knowledge will be instrumental in accelerating our growth and operational efficiencies.”

Prior to joining NGL, Robertson served in several financial functions and senior leadership roles at Global Atlantic Financial Group (formerly Goldman Sachs Reinsurance Group). During his tenure at Global Atlantic, Robertson drove the buildout of the controllership function, worked closely with all areas of the firm to drive strategic growth initiatives and was responsible for helping design and build the infrastructure and processes that enabled Global Atlantic to operate successfully as a stand-alone company.

“I’m honored to join a financially strong, century-old company with a legacy of serving its policyholders and partners,” said Robertson. “NGL’s values-driven culture, long-term stability and forward-looking approach to growth makes this an exciting opportunity. I am committed to working alongside a collaborative, talented team that contributes to NGL’s continued success, as well as driving sustainable long-term growth for our partners and policyholders.” 

Robertson earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J. He earned a Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance from Boston College Carroll School of Management. Robertson is also a certified public accountant in the state of New Jersey.

Robertson currently resides in New Jersey. He is an active member in the community and proudly supports a variety of youth and humanitarian focused organizations. 

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.

McCombs Funeral Home Joins Rollings Funeral Service

Rollings Broadens Midwest Reach with McCombs Locations in Jackson and Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Jackson, MO – Rollings Funeral Service is pleased to welcome McCombs Funeral Home, serving families in Jackson and Cape Girardeau, Missouri, into its expanding network of funeral homes. This partnership brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to compassionate care and community service.

Founded in 1906 by J.W. McCombs, Jr. and his wife Emma, McCombs Funeral Home began as a combination furniture and undertaking business in Uptown Jackson. Over the past century, the firm has grown to become a cornerstone of funeral service in Southeast Missouri, opening its dedicated funeral home in 1942 and expanding into Cape Girardeau in 1995. Today, McCombs serves more than 250 families each year with the same dedication and respect it has offered for generations.

“We’re honored to welcome McCombs Funeral Home to the Rollings family,” said Greg Rollings, Founder and Chairman of Rollings Funeral Service. “Their deep roots in the community and their reputation for trusted, compassionate care make them a natural fit with our values and mission.”

The McCombs Funeral Home name will remain, and its current staff and leadership will continue serving families just as they always have. Through this partnership, Rollings will provide operational support, allowing the McCombs team to focus on delivering the exceptional service their community has come to expect.

“This is a positive step forward for our staff and the families we serve,” said Christi Guilliams, former owner of McCombs Funeral Home. “Joining Rollings lets us stay true to our history and community, while also gaining the backing to continue growing and enhancing our care.”

With over 65 locations nationwide, Rollings Funeral Service is one of the largest privately owned funeral home companies in the United States. The addition of McCombs Funeral Home strengthens its footprint in the Midwest and highlights its commitment to preserving the individuality of family-owned funeral homes.

About Rollings Funeral Service

Headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia, Rollings Funeral Service owns and operates funeral homes and cemeteries across the country. Rollings partners with local funeral providers to support their success while preserving their heritage and identity. The company continues to expand through acquisition, and any funeral home owners interested in exploring a potential sale are encouraged to contact Greg Rollings directly at Greg@RollingsFuneralService.com.

Leigh Klemencic joins NGL as Assistant Vice President, Marketing Communications

Madison, Wis. (February 17, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is pleased to announce the addition of Leigh Klemencic as Assistant Vice President, Marketing Communications. Klemencic will lead the marketing team in the development of strategic external marketing communications initiatives to further enhance NGL’s position as a leader in the Preneed insurance industry.

Klemencic has experience in developing marketing campaigns and collateral, writing editorial content for industry publications, and building strong relationships to further enhance partners’ ability for future growth. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Leigh to our team. With her extensive experience in the Preneed profession, we are confident she will play a key role in advancing our vision to work with strategic clarity, creativity and operational excellence as NGL focuses on being a leader in chosen insurance markets,” said Jeremy Ragsdale, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer at NGL. “Drawing on her skills in marketing and communications, with her background in Preneed, she will work to strengthen our marketing services for everyone who collaborates with us.”

Prior to joining NGL, Klemencic held a variety of roles at Physicians Mutual Insurance Company, including Director-Preneed, and Preneed Marketing Manager. During her tenure with the organization, she helped funeral homes find and amplify their strategies for growth, designed and managed tradeshow sponsorships and exhibits, and implemented marketing campaigns.

“NGL is a leader in Preneed insurance and I’m excited to join the team and continue building on the foundation to grow in the marketplace,” said Klemencic. “I thrive on discovering opportunities to innovate through Preneed marketing and making a notable difference for the funeral homes that serve our communities.”

Klemencic earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Brooklyn College. She is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

Klemencic is a native of Ashland, Neb. and resides in Omaha, Neb., with her husband and three dogs.

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.

Former Order of Golden Rule Membership Director Joins Rapidly Growing Private Funeral Service Operators

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA — Pinnacle Funeral Service and Rollings Funeral Service are proud to announce that Nancy Weil has joined the team as Director of Community Outreach. With over 18 years of experience in funeral service and a nationally recognized background in grief support and community engagement, Nancy brings a unique skill set that will enhance the organizations’ mission to support families in meaningful ways.

Nancy’s career includes serving as the Membership Director for the Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) for the past six years, where she worked closely with funeral homes across the country to promote excellence in service. She is a Certified Grief Management Specialist, Grief Services Provider, and Funeral Celebrant, facilitating virtual grief support groups and providing training to help funeral professionals better serve their communities.

“Adding Nancy to our team reinforces our commitment to the communities we serve,” said Tony Kumming, President of Pinnacle and Rollings Funeral Service. “We are dedicated to supporting families not only through exceptional funeral care but also by offering innovative programs and outreach that address their emotional and practical needs. Nancy’s expertise and passion for helping others perfectly align with our mission, and we are thrilled to have her on board.”

Rollings and Pinnacle Funeral Service groups partnered early last year so they could both provide better support for their locations and provide more opportunities for their team members.

Nancy is also a Certified Laughter Leader, published author, and accomplished speaker who has presented at leading industry conferences, including the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA), and multiple state associations. Her work has been featured in Funeral Home & Cemetery News for 15 years through her column, Random Musings.

A graduate of Empire State College with a bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, and Economics, Nancy has previously served as Community Outreach & Marketing Director, as well as a Preneed Salesperson for cemeteries in Buffalo, NY, and Veterans Funeral Care in Clearwater, FL. Through her company, The Laugh Academy, she has traveled nationwide teaching professionals how to “stress less and laugh more.”

“Pinnacle Funeral Service and Rollings Funeral Service have always stood out for their dedication to families and the communities they serve,” said Nancy Weil. “I am excited to contribute to their mission and to create programs that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

About Pinnacle Funeral Service and Rollings Funeral Service:
Pinnacle Funeral Service and Rollings Funeral Service specialize in funeral home management, offering funeral home owners an alternative to selling to large corporations by  ensuring their locations maintain the highest standards of care and service for families in need. Together, Pinnacle and Rollings Funeral Service focus on community engagement, compassionate care, and providing meaningful support to the families they serve.

Iris Infant Casket/Vault Joins Doric Product Line

MARSHALL, IL – Doric Products, Inc. is proud to now offer the Iris™ – the latest addition to their quality line of burial products.   The Iris is constructed of durable polystyrene and joins the Daisy Chrisom™ in Doric’s line of infant combination casket/vault models.

“The Iris is an attractive lightweight product designed to be handled easily by a single person,” commented Jim Wiens, president of Doric Products, Inc.  “Its price point is about half of our Daisy Chrisom infant model, offering families an economical yet dignified solution.”

The exterior is available in standard white, pink marble, and blue marble designs and features a matching interior that coordinates beautifully with the exterior. The cover features a butyl seal around the perimeter that provides resistance to gravesite elements with a flat top for optional customization or graphics.  All colors of the Iris are available in both 18” and 24” interior dimensions.  

“As we strive to deliver on our mission of offering final resting places of exceptional quality, value, and strength, the launch of the Iris is exactly the type of product that supports this goal,” added Wiens.  “We are honored to help funeral professionals support all families in their time of need.”

About Doric:  Doric Products, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of burial vaults, cremation vaults, and memorialization products.  Distributed by highly trained professionals throughout the United States and Canada, Doric offers burial vaults of exceptional quality, value, and strength.  Although Doric is best known as a leader in traditional concrete burial vaults, the Classic Metal Vaults division features one of the largest selections of air-seal metal vaults available anywhere.  

In the cover photo: A new addition to the Doric product line, the Iris offers families an economical yet dignified option in their time of need in three different exterior designs (white, pink marble and blue marble) and two interior dimensions (18” and 24”).

Chptr Joins Forces with Foundation Partners Group to Unveil Innovative Video Memorial Service, Bringing Tributes to Funeral Homes, Local Media and Families Across America

NEW YORK (Oct 22, 2024) — Chptr, a company dedicated to honoring life stories through thoughtful video memorials, today announced an agreement with Foundation Partners Group that will enable Foundation Partners’ local funeral directors to offer bereaved families Chptr’s personalized, high-quality video tributes, service listings and death notices.

With more than 250 funeral homes, cremation centers and cemeteries across 21 states, Foundation Partners is the second largest provider of funeral services in the United States.  The announcement comes on the heels of Foundation Partner’s launch of Afterall, a new digital hub that integrates content, community, connection and commerce into a simple and seamless experience for families.

Rolling out next month with Tulip, Foundation Partners’ direct-to-consumer cremation service, and in select funeral home locations, the new platform allows funeral professionals to provide families with branded memorial videos that capture the essence of their loved ones along with digital death notices. Using Chptr’s groundbreaking technology, videos and death notices can now be shared on local media and TV stations nationwide, allowing communities to come together in remembrance.

“Chptr’s platform offers Foundation Partners a thoughtful way to both generate new revenue streams and provide families with necessary and beautiful new products to remember their loved ones,” said Rehan Choudhry, CEO and co-founder of Chptr. “By integrating video and social connectivity, we’re offering funeral homes a comprehensive and compassionate approach to memorialization that goes beyond traditional obituaries. Together, we’re helping funeral directors meet the evolving needs of their communities.”

This collaboration ushers in a new era of remembrance where memorials come to life with photos, videos, stories and memories shared by loved ones. These dynamic tributes offer vibrant and evolving reflections of lives well-lived, far surpassing the static obituaries of the past.

“Combining Chptr’s cutting-edge technology with Tulip and our extensive network of funeral homes will transform how families and communities connect, share stories, and celebrate the lives of loved ones,” said Lee Senderov, Foundation Partners’ chief marketing and digital officer. “This partnership enhances our mission of bringing ease and comfort to families, while also introducing new avenues for digital storytelling.”

About Chptr

Chptr is a community-powered platform that partners with broadcast, digital, and print publishers to tell local and individual stories, fostering connections and creating lasting legacies. Through AI, Chptr transforms crowd-sourced stories, photos, and videos into compelling tributes, preserving memories for future generations. The platform collaborates with leading news organizations, enabling local businesses and individuals to share their narratives widely. Backed by top investors and experts, Chptr is building the world’s largest repository of memories, revolutionizing how stories are shared and remembered within communities. www.chptr.com

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.

In early September the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) joined with hundreds of other groups to delay implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) which is set to be implemented on January 1, 2025.  According to Google artificial intelligence (AI),  “The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) went into effect on January 1, 2024. The CTA requires certain businesses to disclose information about their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The goal of the CTA is to create a central registry of beneficial owners to help fight money laundering and other financial crimes.”

While the bill became law on January 1, 2024, the final date set for small business to register under this act is January 1, 2025 — approximately 3 1/2 months from now.  And, as we have learned in the Death Care business, regulation in many situations can be good.  However, in this instance, the United States Chamber of Commerce, with co-signatories such as NFDA and other organizations, penned a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson to delay the implementation.  You can see that letter here.

Civil fines for not registering your business can be up to $591 per day according to an article from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

In its letter, the U.S. Chamber also argues that less than 10% of business have registered to date and that low number “can be attributed directly to the general lack of awareness among the small business community when it comes to the new rules.”  The letter continues,  “Given this massive education gap, it is clear additional time is needed for regulators and other stakeholders to continue their outreach to affected small businesses.”

According to the U.S. Chamber there are other concerns with the potential rule as quoted in their letter:

• “The CTA is unique in that it explicitly targets the very companies least equipped to shoulder its regulatory burdens. Among its various exemptions, the statute includes a carve out for entities whose revenue exceeds $5 million and which employ more than 20 full-time employees. Companies not meeting those thresholds – essentially every small business currently operating in America today – must comply.” 

• “Earlier this year, the District Court for the Northern District of Alabama found the CTA exceeded the Constitution’s enumerated powers and is unconstitutional. That case was appealed and will be heard by an appellate court next month. In the meantime, however, FinCEN continues to enforce the CTA against small businesses not named in the lawsuit. This effectively creates two classes of small businesses – the roughly 60,000 who are exempt and the tens of millions who must still comply.”

A bill – HR 9278 –  was introduced on August 2, 2024, to delay the implementation of the CTA.  It was introduced by Republican Rep. Zachary Nunn of Iowa, and has both Democrats and Republicans as co-authors.  You can follow the status of HR 9278 here.

Related Article — “What every Small Business needs to know about the Corporate Transparency Act”. U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  I’m certainly not an expert on financial crimes and don’t understand everything about this bill.  And, it’s also true that in funeral service we’ve sometimes learned the hard way about not having enough regulations — such as in recent cases about body brokering and lack of licensed personel in some jurisdictions.

However, Small Business in American should be protected from overburdens put on them by the United States government.  Funeral directors and funeral homes are still waiting for final rules to come from the review of the Funeral Rule by the Federal Trade Commission. . . .

Some rules are necessary, however, if funeral directors and funeral home owners are over burdened by these rules and regulations it is the families that we pledge to serve that get hurt the most.  While we should be actively helping these families we are instead filling out forms to tell the government more and more about our businesses.

While this was a law (the CTA) passed by Congress, I am still waiting to see what effects that the recent Supreme Court decision in the “Chevron ruling” has on Federal Trade Commission dictates on funeral service.  Again, I’m not an attorney but requiring decisions to be made by “the intent of the law” rather than a regulatory agency’s (like FTC) interpretation may make a difference in some decisions for the Funeral Rule.  Here is an article titled “Unpacking the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the “Chevron doctrine””.  

More news from the world of Death Care:

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

It was announced earlier in September that Jessica Wakefield has joined Better Place Forests as their new Director of Partnerships, Community, and Education.  The announcement made this comment, “With over 15 years of experience in the funeral service industry, Jessica will play a pivotal role in building and strengthening partnerships with local funeral homes and community organizations, focusing on Better Place Forests’ growing network of more than 100 funeral home and crematory partners near their forest locations.”

You can see a listing of those partnerships here.

Adam Tibbs, CEO of Better Place Forests made this prepared comment in the press release announcing Wakefields position with the company, “We are thrilled to have Jessica join our team.  Her deep knowledge of the funeral profession, combined with her commitment to mentorship and continuing education, makes her the ideal person to lead our partnership efforts. We look forward to expanding our reach and continuing to provide families with meaningful, green memorial options.”

A passionate leader and former President of the Washington State Funeral Directors Association, Wakefield has dedicated herself to becoming more involved in developing modern approaches to funeral services and the promotion of green alternatives within the profession.

Better Place Forests was founded in 2015 and is America’s first conservation forest memorial company.  The fairly new concept allows for permanent memorialization creating natural final resting places in protected forests.  Currently the company offers their services at ten forest locations across the United States.

To learn more about Better Place Forests you can access their website here.

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

Brentwood™ Ceremonial Casket Joins Starmark’s Nature’s Way Line

Eco-Friendly Model Fills Merchandising Gap in Company’s Product Line 

Richmond, IN – Starmark has announced the introduction of the Brentwood ceremonial casket.  The Brentwood joins The Arbor™, The Natural™, and The Terra™ green burial and cremation options in the innovative Nature’s Way® product line.  The Starmark Nature’s Way line, first launched in 2009, offers environmentally friendly green burial and cremation options for funeral homes and families. 

Starmark ceremonial caskets provide an affordable solution for bereaved families to hold modest or full services.  The Brentwood casket with its environmental positioning and natural appearance is targeted to appeal to consumers who desire a ceremony or service for their loved ones prior to a green burial or a cremation. 

The solid pine Brentwood ceremonial casket offers Starmark’s “Built to Last” construction and features a replaceable head panel, adjustable bed system, gas spring lid support, and J-Channel quick-install interior system. The exterior styling features a natural finish with a water-based clear coat and simple wood handles. The interior of the casket offers a natural cotton fabric-lined head panel to highlight the Nature’s Way “green” appeal. 

Paired with the Brentwood, yet compatible with all Starmark ceremonial caskets, the Nature’s Way rental casket insert creates a low-cost and high-eye appeal option for those families seeking either a green burial or cremation. The Nature’s Way rental insert is eco-friendly and designed with natural materials such as unbleached cotton interior fabric, printed reinforced fiberboard construction, wax paper leak-resistant liner, and natural cotton handles.  

The combination of the Brentwood ceremonial casket and the Nature’s Way rental casket insert provides funeral homes and families with an environmentally friendly green burial and cremation option.  For funeral directors who like a more conventional appearance, any Starmark traditional crepe or velvet interior also can be used with the Brentwood ceremonial casket.“The Brentwood ceremonial casket is the first of its kind and offers built-to-last Starmark features funeral directors trust,” stated Justin Davis, President of Starmark Cremation Products.  “When the Brentwood is displayed along with the Nature’s Way Natural and Arbor green burial and cremation options, it offers families a merchandised ‘Good-Better-Best’ product assortment with an environmentally-friendly focus.”

For more information about the complete line of Starmark products for burial and cremation, please visit starmarkcp.com.

About Starmark Cremation Products:
Since 2004, the Starmark brand has provided Sensible Solutions® for bereaved families. Starmark prides itself on providing environmentally conscious, innovative, economical, and high-quality products so that funeral professionals can focus on what matters most: allowing families the opportunity to lay their loved ones to rest in a dignified manner.