Chptr Brings Together Death Care and Modern Media Leaders to Accelerate Modernizing the Obituary for Families and Funeral Homes

Six Respected Industry Leaders Join Chptr’s Advisory Board, Representing MKJ Marketing, Heritage Family, Homesteaders, and Independent Funeral Service

New York, NY — December 18, 2025 — Chptr, the community storytelling company helping funeral directors bring a more modern, meaningful, and accessible obituary experience to the families they serve, today announced the formation of its Obituary Advisory Board. Six of the profession’s most trusted operators, directors, marketers, and strategists have joined the board, including Glenn and Marilyn Gould of MKJ Marketing, Lindsay Granson of Heritage Family, Courtney Gould Miller of Homesteaders, Ricardo Carrillo of Carrillo Funeral Home, and Timothy Szczesny of DeMunn Funeral Home.

The group joins existing advisors and media leaders Christian A. Hendricks of the Local Media Consortium and Laura Clark of NPGCO. The Advisory Board’s formation marks an important milestone as Chptr scales nationwide to help funeral homes bring a modern obituary experience to the communities they serve. The group brings decades of operational, marketing, and family-service expertise and will advise Chptr on ensuring its broadcast, social, and video offerings remain simple, dignified, and deeply aligned with how funeral directors work.

Advisory Board members bring deep and complementary expertise across death care and modern media:

● Glenn and Marilyn Gould have spent more than 30 years building MKJ Marketing into one of the most trusted agencies in the profession, advising hundreds of funeral homes on strategic growth and family experience.

● Lindsay Granson, Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Family, leads one of the nation’s most respected multi-location funeral home organizations and brings deep expertise in family service excellence.

● Courtney Gould Miller, Chief Growth Officer at Homesteaders, has overseen strategic partnerships and product development supporting thousands of funeral homes.

● Timothy Szczesny, owner of DeMunn Funeral Home and Cremation Service, provides the essential perspective of an independent funeral director serving families every day.

● Ricardo Carrillo, owner of Carrillo Funeral Homes in Dallas, is a leading Latino funeral service voice whose experience supporting Hispanic families strengthens Chptr’s understanding of diverse community needs.

● Laura Clark serves as Chief People Officer at News-Press & Gazette Company, bringing expertise in organizational development and operational excellence across media properties.

● Christian A. Hendricks, representing the Local Media Consortium, brings deep expertise in digital media strategy and local news operations, strengthening Chptr’s alignment with community-focused publishers.

“Chptr, with our nationwide network of local media partners, was built to serve the people who serve families,” said Rehan Choudhry, CEO of Chptr. “Each member of this board has earned trust in the profession across the country. Their guidance ensures we stay grounded in the realities of funeral service and continue building tools that support directors in meaningful, practical ways.”

Chptr transforms family photos and memories into broadcast-ready video tributes that notify the wider community across local television, social media, and digital channels. By handling production and coordination directly with families, Chptr keeps the process simple for funeral directors while reinforcing their role as trusted community leaders.

“Directors need tools that help families feel supported without adding more steps to an already demanding day. Chptr delivers that,” said Lindsay Granson, COO of Heritage Family. “They help families reach the community while taking the production and coordination off our plate. We can feel the difference in how families respond and how confidently our directors offer the service.”

The Advisory Board has already begun advising on expansion priorities, partnership standards, and enhancements that address key challenges directors face in arrangement rooms. Their insight will guide Chptr as it continues to scale its offerings nationwide.

“Obituaries are a cornerstone of community journalism, and bringing them into video makes them even more powerful,” said Christian A. Hendricks, president of the Local Media Consortium. “That’s why we’ve engaged with Chptr. It transforms a simple notice into a story the whole community can see and feel. It’s exactly the kind of service local media was built to deliver.”

About Chptr

Founded in 2023 and headquartered in New York, Chptr is the community storytelling company that helps funeral homes bring modern memorialization to the families they serve. Through its Broadcast, Social, and Video offerings, Chptr transforms photos and memories into video tributes that reach thousands, helping communities gather, show support, and honor every life properly. Chptr partners with funeral homes and media companies across the United States, coordinating directly with families to keep workflows simple for funeral directors. Learn more at www.chptr.com.

NFDA Meet the Mentors Returns in 2026 to Inspire and Prepare the Profession’s Rising Leaders

NFDA is now accepting entries for its transformational Meet the Mentors program.

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is pleased to announce that the 2026 Meet the Mentors program will take place April 14-16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. This signature NFDA experience, which is held in conjunction with NFDA’s annual Advocacy Summit, offers early-career funeral professionals an unparalleled opportunity to learn directly from celebrated leaders and engage in advocacy on behalf of the funeral service profession. 

Since its debut in 2011, Meet the Mentors has been fully funded and supported by the Funeral Service Foundation, whose steadfast commitment has enabled more than a decade of transformative mentorship, learning and leadership development. The Funeral Service Foundation covers the registration fees for Meet the Mentors and the Advocacy Summit, three nights of lodging, and a $500 travel reimbursement stipend for selected participants. This generous support ensures the program remains accessible to the profession’s next generation of leaders. 

“For 15 years, Meet the Mentors has offered emerging funeral service professionals a rare opportunity to learn directly from leaders who generously share their experience, wisdom and perspective,” said Sara Moss, MS, FT, LFD, NFDA Associate Director of Education. “This program consistently helps participants build confidence, strengthen their skills and fosters a sense of purpose that supports them throughout their careers.” 

The 2026 Meet the Mentors program will bring together 25 NFDA-member participants – funeral directors and embalmers aged 40 and under, or within their first five years of licensure in the profession – to learn from a distinguished group of mentors who are recognized for their leadership, dedication and impact on the funeral service profession. NFDA is finalizing this year’s mentor panel and will announce the selected mentors very soon.

As in past years, participants can expect to learn from accomplished professionals representing a range of backgrounds, specialties and experiences. These mentors will share candid insights about career development, leadership and the evolving landscape of funeral service, offering invaluable guidance to those at the beginning of their professional journeys. Participants have high praise for NFDA’s Meet the Mentors program.

“NFDA’s Meet the Mentors Program was an incredible experience,” said one 2025 participant. “I gained valuable knowledge and insights that I will be able to use throughout my career. I would highly recommend the program to all newly licensed professionals.” 

In addition to presentations by the mentors, small-group roundtable discussions will enable participants to ask questions, explore career pathways and receive actionable advice they can take home immediately. Many mentees cite these conversations as some of the most meaningful moments of their professional lives. 

One 2025 participant noted, “The roundtables were my favorite part of this experience. It was really great to sit down and ask questions [of] each presenter and be able to have them share their experience on a more personal level.” 

Advocacy in Action 

An exciting component of Meet the Mentors is the opportunity to participate in the 2026 NFDA Advocacy Summit. Participants will join experienced colleagues for a full day on Capitol Hill, meeting with members of Congress to discuss federal issues impacting funeral service. By sharing their stories during these meetings, mentees will help federal legislators understand how their decisions affect, not just funeral professionals, but also grieving families. 

“I enjoyed the Congressional meetings so much and am looking forward to attending the Advocacy Summit again,” a 2025 mentee noted. “I was surprised how much I truly enjoyed doing this!” 

How to Apply 

Prospective participants can enter for their chance to participate in the 2026 Meet the Mentors through 11:59 p.m. CT on January 12, 2026. Thanks to the exclusive support of the Funeral Service Foundation, the program award covers registration fees for the Meet the Mentors program and Advocacy Summit, three nights of lodging and a $500 travel reimbursement stipend. Eligible applicants must be licensed funeral directors or embalmers who are NFDA members and either 40 years old or younger, or within their first five years of licensure in the funeral service profession. For complete details and to apply, visit NFDA.org/Mentors.

For questions, call NFDA at 262-789-1880. Selected participants will be announced in February 2026. 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 www.nfda.org. 

Inside the Power of Community: Why Funeral Home Leaders Are Leaning Into Peer Groups

Barbara Welch didn’t hesitate when I asked her about the value of being part of Selected Independent Funeral Homes.

“I wish I had found Selected earlier,” she said. “There isn’t a problem I have that someone else can’t solve.”

That sentence hit like a hammer. In an industry where owners and directors often operate in their own silos—head down, phones glued to their ears, living in the grind—that kind of support is rare. And powerful.

This Is More Than a Networking Group

If you think associations are just about annual conventions, chicken dinners, and shaking hands in the hotel lobby, you’re missing the point.

What Barbara described isn’t networking. It’s masterminding. Real problem-solving in real time with people who actually get it.

Through Selected’s forums, study groups, and roundtables, she can drop a question into a thread and get a dozen answers from top operators across the country in minutes. Not weeks. Not buried in email chains. Minutes.

“I can ask a question that might feel dumb to me, but to them, it’s easy. And they give me answers I can use tomorrow.”

That’s operational gold.

Collective Brains. Individual Businesses.

Here’s the truth: No one funeral home has all the answers anymore.

• Cremation rates are climbing.
• Staffing expectations are shifting.
• Consumers want speed, options, and experience.
• Tech isn’t optional anymore.

Trying to figure it all out on your own is how good operators get left behind.

Study groups flip the script. One owner might have a killer approach to creative benefits packages. Another has solved night-call burnout. Someone else cracked the code on cremation service upsells. You walk away with playbooks you didn’t have to write yourself.

This is collective intelligence at work.

Vulnerability Is the Cheat Code

Barbara didn’t sugarcoat it. She said these groups only work when people show up ready to be real.

“I’ve heard the word ‘vulnerable’ a lot today. We talk about financials. We lay out problems. It’s real-world problem solving.”

That level of openness doesn’t happen in a trade show booth. It happens in tight-knit circles of owners who know they’re not competing with each other—they’re fighting the same fight.

And here’s the kicker: it’s not just for the big players. Whether you’ve got 10 rooftops or one, a team of 100 or just you and a handful of staff, the power of collective thinking levels the playing field.

When one person in the group figures something out, everyone wins.

The Pace of Change Isn’t Slowing Down

The profession’s slow pace is over. Cremation isn’t “the future”—it’s the now. Consumers aren’t waiting for us to catch up.

That’s why what Barbara shared matters. Access to a trusted group of problem solvers can be the difference between growing and just surviving.

• You can’t outwork this wave.
• You have to outthink it.
• And the fastest way to do that is to plug into people who’ve already solved what you’re struggling with.

This is what the next era of independent funeral service looks like: shared intelligence, not isolated hustle.

A Network That Actually Works

Barbara joined Selected in 2016. She’s still talking about how it changed the game for her business. That says something.

“It’s where I want to be with my family-owned independent mortuary.”

This isn’t about selling memberships. It’s about recognizing the shift happening right under our feet. The most successful operators in death care are no longer the loudest—they’re the best connected.

The Takeaway

If you’re running an independent funeral home and trying to figure it all out alone, you don’t have to.

Plug into a mastermind. Join a study group. Get in rooms where problems are being solved at the speed of text messages. Because the next decade of funeral service will belong to the people who collaborate faster than everyone else.

Learn more about Selected Independent Funeral Homes: https://www.selectedfuneralhomes.org/

OGR Future Leaders Forum Inspires the Next Generation of Funeral Professionals

Attendees gained fresh insights and connections at OGR’s program for emerging leaders 

INDIANAPOLIS (September 4, 2025) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) proudly announces the success of its recent Future Leaders Forum, presented by Full-Circle Aftercare, held August 25-27, 2025, at the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, an affiliate location of Pollock-Randall Funeral Home in Port Huron, Michigan.

The Forum is designed to nurture and develop the next generation of leaders in the funeral service profession. Over the course of a two-day program, the event gathered young professionals, first and second-career individuals and emerging leaders from across the United States for engaging education, problem-solving exercises and strategic discussions.

“We are consistently impressed by the energy and excitement that Future Leaders bring to OGR,” said Wendy King, Executive Director of OGR. “We are proud to provide a space where emerging funeral professionals can connect, learn, and grow together. Events like this ensure that the profession continues to thrive with fresh ideas and strong leadership for years to come.”

As part of this year’s theme, the 2025 Forum empowered future leaders to “Own the Future,” with dynamic education opportunities, hands-on workshops, expert-led sessions and real-world scenarios. Education sessions covered a wide range of topics relevant to developing funeral directors. Some of the themes in event discussions included generational divide in the workplace, making informed preneed decisions, financial insight, personalized funeral services and the power of moments. Outside of education sessions, attendees also had the opportunity to explore the Port Huron community, taking in the beautiful lakes and lighthouses of the area. 

OGR is grateful for the continued support and partnership with the sponsors of this year’s event, which includes presenting sponsor Full-Circle Aftercare, Express Funeral Funding, Passages International and Johnson Consulting Group. 

“It was inspiring to see the passionate future leaders of funeral service come together,” said Vincent Roberge, Johnson Consulting Group. “We’re honored to have played a part in supporting their growth and are excited about the impact they’ll have moving forward.”

The Future Leaders Forum will return in 2026, but OGR Future Leaders remain active throughout the year. For more information on how both OGR member and non-member funeral homes can get involved, visit www.OGR.org/future-leaders-forum. 

About the International Order of the Golden Rule

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is an association of independently owned and operated funeral homes dedicated to ethical service to all. Founded in 1928, it is our mission to make independent funeral homes exceptional. We do this by building and supporting member interaction, information exchange and professional business development through a wide range of programs, services and resources. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.

CANA Members Elect Leaders at Annual Meeting

WHEELING, IL— In August 2025, members of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) attending the hybrid Annual Meeting at the 107^th Annual Cremation Convention in Phoenix re-elected one incumbent board member, elected two new directors, and passed the gavel to new CANA President Lindsey Ballard. Members also recognized the service of three individuals retiring from board service.  

CANA’s President for the 2025-2026 year is third-generation funeral director Lindsey Ballard, co-owner of Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation with locations in Jordan, Prior Lake, and Shakopee, Minnesota. “Serving as CANA president means so much to me. It really is an honor to be a part of an organization that is so progressive and has strong values,” stated Ballard. “I’m very excited to be a president during the sesquicentennial of modern cremation. I know there will be several meaningful projects in the year ahead that will allow us to look back at our history and also see how things have changed over time. I also see this as an opportunity to look toward the future . . . where is cremation going? This is a very exciting time for cremation and CANA, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.” 

CANA’s membership elected two new members to the Board of Directors to lead the association in the coming years. 

Daniel “Dan” Applegate, President/CEO of The Arlington Memorial Gardens in Cincinnati, Ohio, has worked in the cemetery and funeral profession for over 20 years and is past secretary/treasurer of the Ohio Cemetery Association. “I bring practical leadership experience and skills, a passion for innovation, and also a deep respect for the evolving needs of families and practitioners in an evolving field,” Applegate remarked. “CANA is leading the way in shaping the future of death care. I am proud to support and add to that forward-looking vision.” 

Katie La Bella, Director of Operations of St. Michael’s Cemetery and Crematory in East Elmhurst, New York, has over 20 years of experience across the funeral profession as a licensed funeral director, crematory manager, and in cemetery operations. “I am passionate about helping others and advancing the funeral and cremation industries. I am eager to bring my diverse experience, strong work ethic, and commitment to quality to the CANA Board,” La Bella said. “By advancing education and innovation, CANA can continue to empower professionals to meet the evolving needs of the families they serve while setting new standards for service, sustainability, and community engagement in the cremation industry.”  

Evans Baldwin, Vice President of Sales for Foundation Partners Group based in Winter Park, Florida, joins the CANA Board to complete the one-year term vacated by a prior board member. Baldwin has worked in funeral service for over 20 years including his leadership at Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society, which has multiple locations across Florida. “I am proud to join the CANA Board to advocate for innovation, best practices, and educational opportunities within the cremation industry,” explained Baldwin. “My vision for CANA is to make it the most progressive industry association via education opportunities and driving innovation. I aim to help grow CANA’s membership base by offering valuable resources and ensuring that all members are equipped to adapt to evolving industry trends.”  

Stephen Bassett, Vice President of Cemetery Operations at Legacy Funeral Group based in Houston, Texas, was re-elected to serve a second term on the board. The Board of Directors elected Tim Koch, Owner of Metro First Call in St. Paul, Minnesota, to serve as an officer on the Executive Committee as Third Vice President, and Robbie Pape, Senior Vice President and Eastern Regional Partner of Carriage in Houston, Texas, as Treasurer. 

CANA’s Board of Directors is complete with: 

• Lindsey Ballard of Ballard Sunder Funeral Home in Jordan, Minnesota, CANA President; 

• Denis Desrochers of Grégoire Desrochers in Victoriaville, Quebec, President Elect; 

• Sandra Walker of Pacific Northwest Cremation in Spokane, Washington, First Vice President; 

• William “Bill” Clark of Kootenay Enterprises Inc. in Trail, British Columbia, Second Vice President; 

• Timothy “Tim” Koch of Metro First Call in St. Paul, Minnesota, Third Vice President; 

• Robbie Pape of Carriage in Houston, Texas, CANA Treasurer;  

• Ryan Wiseman of Porter Funeral Homes in Kansas City, Kansas, Immediate Past President;  

• Judy Olson of National Guardian Life Insurance Company, CANA Supplier Liaison;  

• Daniel “Dan” Applegate of The Arlington Memorial Gardens; 

• Evans Baldwin of Foundation Partners Group;  

• Stephen “Steve” Bassett of Legacy Funeral Group; 

• Dirk Bearden of Service Corporation International;  

• John Goobeck of Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors;  

• Katie La Bella of St. Michael’s Cemetery and Crematory; 

• Jimmy Lucas of Lucas Funeral Homes; 

• C.R. Lyons of C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors; 

• Katie Sullivan Frideres of the Cremation Society of Illinois; 

• Lara M. Price of Pappas Grubbs Price PC, CANA General Counsel; 

• E. Gene Allen of Kerrville Funeral Home, Education Liaison; and, 

• Caressa Hughes of Service Corporation International, Technical Advisor – Government and Legal Affairs. 

The Membership recognized Past President Robert Hunsaker for his commitment to promoting CANA in the association’s ongoing mission of service to the profession. His leadership ensured CANA’s future success as a leader in the profession for years to come. The Membership also recognized Jason Widing of Foundation Partners Group for the completion of his term of service to the board of directors and Tim Borden of Borden Enterprises for his service as Treasurer. We are grateful for their service to our association and the profession.  

CANA thanks its Board of Directors and all those who serve on its Advisory Groups and as CANA Ambassadors for their dedication to CANA and funeral service. These leaders volunteer their time and talent to ensure continued recognition for CANA as the trusted authority and educator on all aspects of cremation. Find more information and learn how to get involved on CANA’s website: cremationassociation.org/BoardofDirectors 

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. 

OGR to Host Future Leaders Forum

OGR Presents Future Leaders Forum to Foster the Potential of Funeral Home Professionals

INDIANAPOLIS (July 11, 2025) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is proud to announce the upcoming Future Leaders Forum, presented by Full-Circle Aftercare, held August 25-27, 2025, at the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, an affiliate location of Pollock-Randall Funeral Home in Port Huron, Michigan.

This event is designed to nurture and develop the next generation of leaders in the funeral service profession. This two-day program will gather young professionals, first and second-career individuals and emerging leaders for engaging education, problem-solving exercises and strategic discussions.

“We are pleased to host the 2025 OGR Future Leaders Forum in Port Huron,” said Ann Randall, Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. “It will be a great time of sharing, connecting and learning together while enjoying late August in our beautiful Blue Water Area on Pure Michigan’s Thumb Coast.”

The theme for the 2025 Future Leaders Forum is “Own the Future.” Participants will explore visionary concepts and innovative strategies that can help shape the funeral home of the future. The program will feature a diverse range of sessions and activities, including:

• “Bridging the Generational Divide in the Workplace” with Antonio Green, James H. Cole Home for Funerals
• “ Making the Best Choice for Your Preneed” with Andy Weninger, Premier Preneed Marketing
• “ Building a Strong Foundation: Financial Insights from Independent Funeral Homes presented by Express Funeral Funding” with OGR Members Chris Janowiak, Shelly Brown-Chudzinski, Phil Vallelunga, and Sara Walsh
• “ Star Trek and Vikings…. At a Funeral? aka Dare to Use Your Imagination” with Joe E. Pray, Pray Funeral Home 
• “The Power of Moments Workshop” led by Matthew Van Drimmelen, Full-Circle Aftercare
• Optional social activities, including a lighthouse tour and an evening at a local lake house.

“It’s an honor to support the OGR Future Leaders Forum and share knowledge with the rising stars of our profession,” said Matt Van Drimmelen, Full-Circle Aftercare. “Investing in the next generation of funeral service leaders ensures a stronger, more compassionate future for the families and communities we serve.”

Continuing education credits in accordance with state regulations are also available.

To support the attendance of OGR member funeral homes, the OGR Foundation is offering $350 scholarships to the first fifteen (15) OGR member funeral homes who register a staff member for the Future Leaders Forum. 

“As funeral homeowners in an ever-evolving field, we know how important it is to nurture and develop the next generation of leaders,” said Chris Miller, Chair of the OGR Foundation Board. “The Future Leaders Forum is an incredible opportunity for our emerging professionals to gain essential skills, connect with like-minded peers, and grow into the leaders our profession needs. I wholeheartedly encourage you to send your rising stars to this event. With the scholarships available through our foundation, there’s no better time to invest in their future and, in turn, the future of our independently owned funeral homes.” 

Express Funeral Funding is also a sponsor of the event. “EFF is honored to support OGR and is deeply committed to investing in the next generation of funeral service professionals,” said Deanna Wilkinson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Have fun and take this opportunity to grow, connect and lead the way forward in our vital and innovative industry!”

The Future Leaders Forum warmly welcomes participation from both OGR member and non-member firms. For more information and to register, visit www.OGR.org/future-leaders-forum. 

About the International Order of the Golden Rule

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is an association of independently owned and operated funeral homes dedicated to ethical service to all. Founded in 1928, it is our mission to make independent funeral homes exceptional. We do this by building and supporting member interaction, information exchange and professional business development through a wide range of programs, services and resources. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.

NFDA Members Elect New Leaders to Guide Profession’s Future

Dan Ford to serve as 2025-26 NFDA President

Brookfield, Wis. – Eligible voting members of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) elected the following individuals to serve as officers on the Board of Directors: President-elect Chris E. Christian, CFSP, CCO, of Rogersville, Tennessee; Treasurer Steven Spann, CFSP, CCO, of Dickson, Tennessee; and Secretary Ellen Wynn McBrayer, CFSP, CPC, CCO, CCSP, of Villa Rica, Georgia. Additionally, a proposed change to the NFDA bylaws passed. 

The NFDA Board of Directors guides NFDA’s mission of providing unmatched support, resources and advocacy for members, their businesses and the funeral service profession. These visionary leaders will serve one-year terms of office that begin immediately following the 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo, which will take place October 26-29 in Chicago, Illinois. 

From June 12 through 25, 2025, 1,252 votes were cast by eligible voting members. Votes were cast online through a secure balloting system run by YesElections. Winners of the officer elections are determined by a plurality vote. The results were: 

• President-elect
  • Chris E. Christian, CFSP, CCO – 100% (1,215 votes) 
• Treasurer
  • Steven Spann, CFSP, CCO – 100% (1,190 votes) 
• Secretary
  • Ellen Wynn McBrayer, CFSP, CPC, CCO, CCSP – 61.15% (754 votes)
  • Homer E. Elwood Jr., CFSP, CCO – 38.85% (479 votes) 

Following his term as the 2024-25 President-elect, Daniel J. Ford, CFSP, CCSP, of Cheshire, Connecticut, will lead NFDA as the 2025-26 President. 

Current NFDA President Christopher P. Robinson, CFSP, CCO, of Easley, South Carolina, will continue his service on the Board with a one-year term as Immediate Past President. 

Also continuing their service on the Board of Directors are 2024-26 At-large Representatives Carlton Maye Jr., MBA, CFSP, CCO, of Statesboro, Georgia; and Ladd Pulliam, CFSP, CCO, of Richton, Mississippi. 

During the 2025 NFDA Leadership Conference, taking place August 3–6 in Napa, California, state association representatives will elect two additional At-Large Representatives. The candidates, who will serve two-year terms that commence following the 2025 NFDA Convention, are:

• Carlos D. Black, Mobile, Alabama
• Christopher Costello, New Orleans, Louisiana 

Information about the officers elected to the Board of Directors can be found on the NFDA website, NFDA.org/Elections.    

Proposed Bylaws Change 

Along with electing officers to serve on the NFDA Board of Directors, qualified association members were also responsible for voting on a proposed change to the NFDA Bylaws that would allow for election by acclimation when only one or two candidates are running for at-large representative seats on the Board of Directors. This provision would eliminate election formalities and create a streamlined voting process. The NFDA Bylaws already have a provision allowing for election by acclimation for Officer positions when only one candidate is running for a position. 

Bylaws changes require a two-thirds affirmative vote to pass. This proposal passed with 91.21% (1,142 votes) votes in favor of the change. 

Details about the proposed changes can be found online at NFDA.org/Vote. 

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.

Leadership Starts Here: NFDA Announces 2025-26 Class of Emerging Leaders 

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is thrilled to introduce the 17 funeral service professionals selected to participate in the 2025-26 National Emerging Leaders Program. This year-long leadership development experience empowers participants to grow as visionary, values-driven leaders in their funeral homes, communities and the profession at large. 

Since its inception, the National Emerging Leaders Program has nurtured nearly 60 promising professionals, providing them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead with purpose. Through a combination of in-person and virtual learning, mentorship and invaluable networking, participants are equipped to inspire meaningful change in funeral service. 

The 2025-26 program will begin with a retreat at NFDA headquarters in Brookfield, Wisconsin, in June, and will conclude at the 2026 NFDA Leadership Conference. Participants will also engage in a series of approximately seven virtual learning sessions throughout the year, led by top funeral service leaders and experts from outside the profession. 

The members of the 2025-26 National Emerging Leaders Program class are:

• Kerri Bittner, Elm Ridge Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Muncie, Indiana
• Elijah Bragg, Heritage Funeral and Cremation, Spokane, Washington
• Dane Chasca, McPherson Funeral Services, Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada
• Renee Childs, A.A. Rayner & Sons Funeral Home, Chicago, Illinois
• Madison Crihfield, Covington Funeral Home, Covington, Tennessee
• Desirae Delgado, Harrell Funeral Homes, Austin, Texas
• Ryan Drake, Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, Owosso, Michigan
• Monica Hall, Hill’s Mortuary, Statesboro, Georgia
• Caitlin Johnson, Evanson Jensen Funeral Home, Mott, North Dakota
• Nicole Lutz, Mueller Memorial, Saint Paul, Minnesota
• Michael McGaffigan, McGaffigan Funeral Home, Pepperell, Massachusetts
• Andrea Rief, Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home, Council Bluffs, Iowa
• Tina Spedden, Lee Funeral Homes, Owings, Maryland
• Loran Spence, Carmon Community Funeral Homes, Windsor, Connecticut
• Jarell Springfield, Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, Merrillville, Indiana
• Katlyn Taueetia, Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, Cecil, Pennsylvania
• Tyler Wilson, Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Home – Okolona Chapel, Louisville, Kentucky 

“Leadership is not about a title – it’s about service, vision and impact,” said NFDA President Christopher P. Robinson, CFSP, CCO. “NFDA’s National Emerging Leaders Program is one of the most important ways we’re preparing the next generation of professionals to carry our profession forward with integrity and innovation. I congratulate this year’s class and look forward to watching their growth and leadership in the years to come.” 

The program is open to all licensed funeral professionals in the United States and Canada – regardless of NFDA membership – who are in the early stages of their careers. Participants are selected through a competitive application process. NFDA extends its sincere thanks to the Funeral Service Foundation for its generous support of the National Emerging Leaders Program. 

“The leaders we cultivate today will shape the future of funeral service,” said John Heald, chair of the Funeral Service Foundation Board of Trustees. “That’s why the Funeral Service Foundation is proud to support this transformative program: it equips talented professionals with the tools, connections and confidence they need to grow, lead and make a lasting difference in the communities they serve.” 

To learn more about the program, visit NFDA.org/EmergingLeaders. 

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. 

Lead with Purpose: Apply for NFDA’s National Emerging Leaders Program Today

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) has begun accepting applications for the 2025-26 National Emerging Leaders Program. Since its inception, this transformative program has nurtured 58 funeral service professionals, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to excel as leaders in their funeral homes, communities, and the funeral service profession at state and national levels. 

This comprehensive year-long leadership experience will empowers 20 select participants to lead with vision, integrity and influence, providing them with tools and strategies to inspire and guide others. Additionally, participants will benefit from mentorship opportunities and high-level networking with leaders in the funeral service profession. 

The 2025-25 program will begin with a retreat at NFDA headquarters in Brookfield, Wisconsin, June 22-24, and conclude during the 2026 NFDA Leadership Conference. Participants will engage in approximately seven virtual learning sessions throughout the year, featuring insights from both funeral service experts and distinguished leaders from outside the profession. 

The NFDA National Emerging Leaders Program is open to all licensed funeral professionals in the United States and Canada – regardless of NFDA membership status – who are in the early stages of their careers (first-career funeral directors licensed at least three years or second-career funeral directors licensed at least one year). 

“Being part of something bigger than myself – a program dedicated to advancing the future of funeral service – has been an inspiring and humbling experience,” said Sarah Ziesmer, a 2024-25 National Emerging Leaders Program participant with Heritage Funeral Home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “Sharing space with like-minded, passionate individuals from across the country has been one of the most impactful aspects of the program. The knowledge and tools I’ve gained are invaluable, and I’m eager to bring what I’ve learned back to my team. My goal is to empower my staff, strengthen our services and contribute to the evolution of funeral service.” 

“As a participant in the National Funeral Directors Association’s Emerging Leaders Program, I found the experience to be invaluable for both my professional and personal growth,” said 2024-25 National Emerging Leaders Program participant Marshall Loring of Messinger Indian School Mortuary in Scottsdale, Arizona. “The program is thoughtfully designed to engage, support and develop future leaders in our profession. The mentorship from seasoned professionals was a cornerstone of the experience as well, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way.”

The National Emerging Leaders Program requires an investment of $1,500, covering retreat fees, registration for the 2026 NFDA Leadership Conference, approximately seven virtual learning sessions led by expert speakers and facilitators, printed educational materials, continuing education hours, and extensive networking opportunities. To help offset costs, participants will receive a travel reimbursement of up to $500 for the retreat and up to $500 for the 2026 Leadership Conference.    

For more information and to apply, visit NFDA.org/EmergingLeaders. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on April 15. Selected participants will be announced in early May. NFDA extends its gratitude to the Funeral Service Foundation for its generous support of the National Emerging Leaders Program. 

“Investing in leadership development ensures a stronger, more resilient future for the funeral service profession and the families we serve,” said John Heald, chair of the Funeral Service Foundation Board of Trustees. “The Funeral Service Foundation is proud to support NFDA’s National Emerging Leaders Program, which empowers professionals to grow, connect and lead with purpose.” 

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. 

Tribute Technology Launches the Inaugural Tech-Enabled Funeral Home Awards,  Recognizing Leaders Transforming Funeral Service Through Technology 

Celebrating Innovation, Transparency, and Community Impact in Funeral Home Services 

WAUNAKEE, WI — In an effort to honor groundbreaking innovation and celebrate leadership in the funeral service profession, Tribute Technology proudly announces the inaugural Tech-Enabled Funeral Home Awards. 

These awards recognize forward-thinking funeral homes that are leveraging technology to  enhance service delivery, improve family experiences, and strengthen community connections. 

“The 2024 award recipients are setting new standards by integrating digital solutions that  empower staff, foster transparency, and build community trust,” said Courtney Gould Miller, Tribute Technology’s President of Commercial Markets. “Through the use of innovative tools, these industry leaders are transforming the way funeral homes operate, offering families a more personalized, accessible, and compassionate experience during  their time of need.” 

Honorees of the 2024 Tech-Enabled Funeral Home Awards include: 

• Leader in Community Outreach Email Marketing: Starlyn Aurit, Customer Experience & Marketing Director at Harrell Funeral Homes 

• Leader in Funeral Home Website Optimization: Andrew Jenkins, President & Funeral Director at Jenkins Funeral Chapel, Inc. 

• Leader in Empowering Families with Technology: Jonathan Leavitt, Owner &  Funeral Director at Leavitt Funeral Services and Crematory 

• Leader in Digital-First Training for Funeral Service: Jim Busch, Owner & President  at Busch Funeral Home & Crematory Services 

• Leaders in Funeral Home Transparency: Ashlee Etzweiler & Shannon Etzweiler Kapsak, Funeral Directors at Etzweiler Family Funeral Service

• Leader in Integrated Technology Systems: David Lee Hernandez Jr., Founder &  CEO at Jersey Memorial Group 

• Leaders In Tech-Enhanced Family Support: Jimmy Altmeyer Jr., President of  Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory and Founder of Treasured Memories, and  John Butler, Digital Strategy for Treasured Memories 

• Leader in Redefining Funeral Home & Cemetery Marketing: Bob Gordon,  President & CEO of Cypress Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park 

Members of the media with questions about Tribute Technology or any of the company’s  products and services are asked to contact press@tributetech.com.  

About Tribute Technology: 

Tribute Technology’s mission is to bring the best technology to all funeral homes, to help  communities around the world celebrate life, and to pay tribute to loved ones. Over 9,000  end-of-life providers already use Tribute Technology’s software and product offerings,  including websites, marketing services, management software, online planning,  personalized memorial keepsakes, payment processing, and other solutions. Tribute  Technology is focused on innovating to help funeral directors save time on tasks, so they  can focus more on connecting with the families who have lost a loved one. The company’s  goal is to give funeral directors everything they need to run their business in one place,  making their lives easier.