Dwight Thompson, a seasoned social worker, psychotherapist, and former funeral director with more than 20 years of experience in mental health and grief care will highlight the monthly interactive Peer Support meeting for September.  The online peer support meeting for funeral service workers sponsored by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) will take place tomorrow night, Tuesday, September 16.

To learn more about the Peer Support meetings and learn how to participate click here.

According to a press release sent out by CANA, “Stress impacts your brain’s ability to file and refine all the important details from your busy day in realtime.  When you finally get the chance to decompress after work, your brain attempts to sort the information it couldn’t properly process earlier.  This can lead to mistakes:   a mental reminder to have the conversation with the receptionist accidentally transforms thought into action—as if you’ve already had the conversation.”

The press release continues with this information, According to Dwight (Thompson), many funeral directors are experiencing the painful consequences of minor, stress-induced errors.  “I have seen colleagues reprimanded for mistakes that could have been prevented if we recognized the overwhelming pressure and workload they carry.  In these situations, the issue of stress is completely ignored, and the employee is blamed for something the brain simply can’t handle under such conditions,” explains Thompson.  “Funeral professionals need support with relevant checks and balances to ensure that they can cope with the intense realities of stress and its impact on their mental and emotional well-being.”

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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. 

New Orleans to Host Selected Independent Funeral Homes’ Annual Meeting

Former U.S. Navy Commander to keynote on “Pillars of Leadership”

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill – July 1, 2025 – Selected Independent Funeral Homes, the premier association of independently‑owned funeral professionals, announces its 107th Annual Meeting, set for September 28 – October 1, 2025, at The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans.

The Annual Meeting will unite leaders for four days of powerful connection, cutting‑edge sessions, and fresh perspective on the funeral profession. Attendees will experience actionable leadership tools, professional development, and can earn up to 10.0 continuing education credits.

The event’s keynote address will be given by Cmdr. Kirk Lippold, USN (ret.). Lippold and his crew saved the USS Cole from sinking when the ship was bombed by al Qaeda in a fatal terrorist attack at the port of Aden, Yemen, on October 12, 2000.

“Commander Lippold’s insights, drawn from his experience during a devastating incident, reveal how integrity fostered an empowered and inclusive leadership environment,” said Tom Antram, Selected President. “His ‘Pillars of Leadership’ offer essential business tenets, proving that personal accountability and ownership are vital for any successful team.”

The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, a celebrated employment brand, will also serve as a living case study on cultivating a culture of excellence at the meeting’s general session. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to glean best practices directly from the hotel’s renowned approach.

“Our colleagues and industry leaders will gain invaluable insights into The Ritz-Carlton’s renowned culture of excellence,” adds Antram. “This is a unique opportunity to learn actionable strategies for sustainable processes, how to cultivate employee and customer engagement, and understand the vital role of empowerment in delivering legendary service.”

Registration is open for in-person or virtual attendance at this year’s Annual Meeting. Members interested should visit the Annual Meeting page on the association’s website.

About Selected Independent Funeral Homes

Celebrating more than a century of service excellence, Selected Independent Funeral Homes advances the independent funeral profession through best‑in‑class education, peer connection, and innovative member solutions. Its Annual Meeting serves as the premier gathering to shape the future of funeral service. For more information, visit the website and follow the association on Facebook, “X”, and LinkedIn.

Selected Independent Funeral Homes Lets the Good Times Roll at 107th Annual Meeting in New Orleans

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. – June 17, 2025 – The world’s leading independent funeral service professionals will gather in New Orleans, LA for Selected Independent Funeral Homes’ 107th Annual Meeting at The Ritz-Carlton on September 28 – October 1.

True to this year’s theme of “Let the Good Times Roll,” participants will have ample opportunities to network with colleagues, experience engaging educational sessions and obtain valuable continuing education credit. During the meeting, the Association will induct its newest Board Representatives and Officers, while recognizing the contributions of its outgoing Officers.

Keynote speaker Commander Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret.) will present “Leadership & Accountability When It Matters.” Commander Lippold was the Commanding Officer of the USS Cole when it came under a fatal terrorist attack by al Qaeda in the port of Aden, Yemen, on October 12, 2000. Using his experience from this devastating terrorist attack as a backdrop, Commander Lippold conveys how the principle of integrity created a diverse and inclusive environment for leadership where his crew felt empowered with a sense of ownership, seizing the opportunity to be responsible for their ship, and not just their jobs.

The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center, an award-winning employment brand, will present “A Culture of Excellence: Building Success from Within” during the General Session. They will share best practices on how to activate and sustain a culture where valued and empowered employees own the customer experience. Leaders ready to transform their organization will walk away with actionable ideas to elevate experiences and engage employees.

Many other dynamic speakers will share valuable insights at the Annual Meeting. View details of all speakers and sessions online. Additional highlights will include the following:

• Up to 10.0 hours of continuing education credit (1.0 CE Units) by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and states requiring CE. (Approvals vary by state.)
• Recognition of Selected Membership Milestone anniversaries.
• Induction of Selected’s 2025-2026 Board Chair and President, 2025-2029 Board Directors and recognition of outgoing Officers.
• Recognition of the Selected Educational Trust’s Ambassador of the Year Awards.
• Opportunities to connect with Selected’s Preferred Partners both at their individual displays and during informational “Conversation Café” sessions.
• Several members-only sessions and activities for Selected members including luncheons for members of Selected’s Communities.
• Two days of exclusive Selected Study Groups events for Selected Study Groups participants.

“For more than 100 years, Selected has used our Annual Meeting as a catalyst for positive change and an incubator for innovation,” said Tom Antram, 2024-2025 Selected President. “The good times happen when we are together. I’m excited to Let the Good Times Roll as we gather in New Orleans this fall!”

Spots are filling quickly! Register and make your hotel reservations today.

About Selected Independent Funeral Homes:

For more than 100 years, Selected Independent Funeral Homes has been the leading association of independently owned death care providers. The Association connects leaders in funeral service by delivering innovative and pertinent resources, solutions and ongoing support to its international network. These leaders transform care as they aspire to the highest quality standards and best practices. As the capstone of Selected’s year, the Annual Meeting gives members and participants an opportunity to create the future of funeral service.

It’s already the 3rd Tuesday of the month and with that date comes another Cremation Association of North America (CANA) supported Peer Support meeting for those involved in the Death Care profession/industry.

Here’s what CANA says about this month’s meeting that takes place tonight:

By acknowledging your challenges, you honor your own well-being and enhance your ability to care for others with authenticity and strength. Life for the funeral professional is a delicate balancing act. While taking on the responsibility for supporting your families and community, it’s too easy to push your own emotions aside. However, denying yourself the space to express grief and emotions can bring emotional burnout, compassion fatigue, and even physical exhaustion. On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Jennifer Muldowney facilitates a virtual Funeral Professionals Peer Support Meeting to provide a space that grants permission to share these feelings.

 

Jennifer Muldowney is an acclaimed speaker on grief, host of The Glam Reaper podcast, founder of Muldowney Memorials, and a celebrant who has witnessed many expressions of grief. Throughout her career, she has reassured hundreds of families that their feelings are normal and given them permission to feel without judgment. The March Funeral Professionals Peer Support meeting is an opportunity for funeral professionals to do the same for themselves and each other.

You can connect with Jennifer and others in our profession tonight on the online platform for this meeting.  Learn how to do so by clicking here.

Tonight’s event begins at 7 pm Central Time.

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Finding Mentorship: Virtual Funeral Professionals Peer Support Meeting in February

WHEELING, IL—Funeral service is a career of long, emotion-filled days and nights and never-ending challenges. Fortunately, it’s also a career filled with professionals who willingly share their experiences and can offer guidance for moving forward. On February 18, Funeral Professional Peer Support (FPPS) and the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) host a peer support meeting facilitated by Jeff Holcomb. The discussion will center around the valuable role of a mentor in helping funeral service employees to navigate the profession.

Jeff Holcomb is a New York State-licensed funeral director with over 44 years of experience in funeral service. In 2006, he founded Continuing Vision, which expanded to support a mentorship program in 2022 to honor the memory of his son Brian. Brian, a funeral director himself, often shared meaningful conversations with Jeff about their work and how to navigate the challenges of the profession. After Brian’s passing, Jeff created this program to keep their connection alive by mentoring and supporting the next generation of funeral professionals.

Mentors provide guidance and support to help the growth and development of their fellow professionals. Jeff Holcomb will bring his decades of commitment to the profession to talk about the power of peer support and mentorship. At Tuesday’s meeting, he’ll focus on the key role of a mentor in providing patience, compassion, and understanding in support of a mentee’s future.

Join Jeff to share your own experiences with mentorship and offer support to your colleagues. Connect with your fellow funeral professional peers on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT via Zoom link at cremationassociation.org/peersupport. No registration is required, simply follow the link to join.

About Funeral Professional Peer Support

Funeral Professional Peer Support Group is committed to providing support, healing, education and knowledge to funeral professionals. They promote wholeness and wellness by uniting funeral sector professionals through a Canada-wide network of regional organizations offering support, information and resources within their community.

About CANA

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,500 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.

I’ve been around long enough to see many people call themselves a “Leader”.  Some of those people are and some aren’t.  I’ve also been around long enough to recognize a “True Leader” when they are in my midst.

And, tomorrow night those of you who tune in for the Cremation Association of North America’s (CANA) monthly Peer Support meeting will get to hear from one of the “True Leaders” of funeral service, Randy Anderson.  Anderson, no relation to me, is a first-generation funeral director, former owner of Radney’s Funeral Home and Langley Funeral Home in Alabama, and past president of the National Funeral Directors Association.

According to the CANA press release, ” (Anderson) has spent his career supporting funeral service and professionals through volunteering and teaching and will continue this mission and inspire others at the peer support meeting.”

In that same press release Anderson gives a little self-advice about leadership to others as he makes this comment, “I have had many opportunities to lead throughout my life and have been taught and supported by many wonderful leaders.  In every leadership position, I have learned that everyone wants to be heard and it’s important to listen. I have learned that everyone does not see every experience the same. Looking back, I would advise myself to try to look more through the eyes of others.” 

For what it is worth, I was ecstatic when I saw that Randy Anderson had signed up to recieve Funeral Director Daily a few years ago.  His leadership at NFDA was truly inspiring and the thought that he would sign up to hear what I had to say is proof that he believes in what he says according to the preceding paragraph.  I eventually got to meet Randy at the Baltimore NFDA convention and even though we didn’t talk for long it was apparent to me that he lives to serve others and to serve funeral service.

To learn more or join the peer support meeting featuring Randy Anderson you can click here.  The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT via Zoom link.  No registration is required, simply follow the link to join.

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Virtual Funeral Professionals Peer Support Meeting in October

WHEELING, IL— For many of us, October means changing leaves, crisp weather and crisper apples, and football… but it also means school (and sniffles) are back in session, fewer hours of sunshine, and a fast-approaching holiday season. It’s also a fine time to take a moment to chat about work, life, and finding a balance in funeral service. Join the virtual Funeral Professionals Peer Support meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT to share what’s on your mind this month and how we can care for ourselves and each other in the months to come.

Open to everyone across the funeral service, virtual peer support meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. It’s a perfect space for funeral professionals to share their experiences and exchange advice and support on topics ranging from working with difficult bosses to dealing with the pressures at home. You’ll come away realizing you’re not alone and your stories are common across borders and job titles.

Inspired by pumpkin spiced everything, longer evenings, chilly weather, and candy snuck from the treat bowl, October is the perfect time to talk about taking the good with the bad and getting the support we need for the season ahead. Join the monthly peer support meeting.

This month, we will host an open forum for discussion on any topic. All are given space to share their stories, but, because respectful listening can also be beneficial, no one will be “called on” to contribute. Even if you don’t have a pressing issue to discuss, the meetings are a valuable place to offer support, too. You can find a community of peers and share your own experience as a means to assist others.

Connect with your fellow funeral professional peers on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT / 5pm PT via Zoom link at cremationassociation.org/peersupport. No registration is required, simply follow the link to join.

About Funeral Professionals Peer Support

Funeral Professionals Peer Support Group is committed to providing support, healing, education and knowledge to funeral professionals. They promote wholeness and wellness by uniting funeral sector professionals through a Canada-wide network of regional organizations offering support, information and resources within their community.

About CANA

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,500 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.

Selected’s 2024 Annual Meeting at Disney Delivers the Magic of Connection

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — October 8, 2024 — More than 400 members and guests of Selected Independent Funeral Homes gathered at Disney’s Grand Floridian Convention Center and virtually for the 2024 Annual Meeting held September 25–28. The association’s premier event connected leaders from around the world and celebrated “The Magic of Connection.”

Magic was in the air as the event launched with the Welcome Celebration. Participants reconnected with friends and made new acquaintances over dinner, drinks and an exclusive photo shoot with Disney^® characters.

Throughout the meeting, dynamic speakers highlighted relevant topics ranging from personnel management, organizational culture development, change management, funeral home merchandising and the future of funeral service.

In the session, “Maximize Your Leadership: Navigating the Five Types of People,” keynote Dr. Sherene McHenry, The People IQ Expert, helped participants adjust their leadership strategies based on the five common traits of the individuals on their teams.

In “The Trust Imperative: Bridging Divides for a Culture of Belonging and Organizational Effectiveness,” Desmond Lomax of the Arbinger Institute led participants to explore actionable insights on what is and isn’t working to build trust and belonging within their businesses.

Panel discussions featured Selected Members sharing guidance and proven practices in ownership succession to family members or key employees as well as tactics to recruit and retain top staff talent. This year’s event featured multiple “Members-Only Exchange” sessions and “Conversation Café” presentations from Selected Preferred Partners.

Lunch became the most important meal of the day for members of Selected’s four Communities as they dined together. Sponsors of Selected’s FirstGen and Funeral Home + Cemetery Management Communities shared presentations tailored to each group’s needs and members discussed pressing issues with their peers. Selected thanks Community Sponsors Full-Circle Aftercare, Kelco and PlotBox.

Selected inducted new Board Officers during the meeting. Tom Antram of French Funerals & Cremations will serve as President and John Keohane of Keohane Funeral Home will serve as Board Chair. New Board members Brad Pingel of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors, Inc. and Dan Kochapski of Carmon Community Funeral Homes were inducted into their leadership roles as well.

In addition, Selected recognized five firms for 75 years of continuous membership:

• W.L. Case & Co. – Saginaw, Mich.
• Jones Funeral Home, Inc. – Winchester, Va.
• Penzien & Steele Funeral Home, Inc. – Bay City, Mich.
• Rader Funeral Home, Inc. – Kilgore, Texas
• Turner & Porter Funeral Directors – Toronto, Canada

The following firms celebrated 50 years of continuous membership:

• Hauger-Zeigler Funeral Home – Somerset, Pa.
• Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Inc. – Methuen, Mass.
• Striffler Family Funeral Homes . . . Since 1866 – McKeesport, Pa.

The 2025 Annual Meeting will be held at the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, September 28–October 1, 2025. For more information on Selected’s meetings, programs, becoming a member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes or to locate a member, visit selectedfuneralhomes.org or call 800-323-4219.

About Selected Independent Funeral Homes: Selected Independent Funeral Homes  delivers innovative and pertinent resources, solutions and ongoing support necessary for enduring excellence to its international network of independently owned death care providers who aspire to be the very best in their profession. Members of Selected operate according to specific standards and best practices to provide the public with reliable, high-quality service and funeral-related information.

CANA Membership Elects Leaders at Annual Meeting

WHEELING, IL— In September 2024, members of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) attending the Annual Meeting at the 106^th Annual Cremation Convention in Chicago re-elected two incumbent board members, elected one new director, and passed the gavel to new CANA President Ryan Wiseman. They also recognized the service of two individuals retiring from board service. 

INTRODUCING CANA’S 2024-2025 PRESIDENT

Ryan Wiseman is a co-owner of both Porter Funeral Homes in Kansas City and Lenexa, Kansas, and the Cremation Society of Kansas and Missouri, which has four locations around the Kansas City area. “As CANA President, I hope to continue to build the membership of CANA and to grow the organization as a whole,” remarked Wiseman. “I’m always excited to spread the word about an association that helps to keep me informed about the latest industry news and trends. This wealth of knowledge helps me to run and maintain a business based on a solid foundation of best practices and input and advice from the best minds in professional deathcare.”

NEWLY ELECTED TO THE CANA BOARD

New elected board member Katie Sullivan Frideres, Vice President of Cremation Society of Illinois in Chicago, Illinois, has over 20 years of cremation industry experience. “At Cremation Society of Illinois, we’ve always promoted inclusion at every level,” Sullivan Frideres said. “Choosing cremation allows for both traditional and non-traditional ceremonies, ensuring everyone’s preferences are respected and celebrated. I aim to continue fostering this open mindset, promoting inclusion, and bringing my experience to the CANA board.” 

CANA’s new Supplier Liaison is Judy Olson, VP – Sales & Business Development for National Guardian Life (NGL) based in Madison, Wisconsin. Judy was elected by the Supplier Members of the Association. Her unique role is to represent the interests and needs of the businesses that supply goods and services to the funeral profession. Olson has worked for NGL for over 16 years and has regularly participated in CANA events since 2017. “During my tenure,” Olson explained, “I will focus on continually educating myself so I can, in turn, help educate and share information. I see CANA as an association that is focused on the well-being of its members and encourages collaboration and partnership. I enjoy collaborating with others so will make sure to get to know all the suppliers that support the Association, as well as the active members, so I can help make effective connections.” 

Dirk Bearden, Managing Director, PCC and Crematory Operations for Service Corporation International based in Houston, Texas, was re-elected to serve a second term on the board along with John Goobeck, Manager at Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, Texas. Bill Clark, Managing Director of Kootenay Enterprises, Inc. in Trail, British Columbia, was elected by the board of directors to serve as an officer on the Executive Committee as Third Vice President.

CANA’s Board of Directors is complete with:

• Ryan Wiseman of Porter Funeral Homes in Kansas City, Kansas, CANA President; 
• Lindsey Ballard of Ballard Sunder Funeral Home in Jordan, Minnesota, President Elect;
• Denis Desrochers of Grégoire Desrochers in Victoriaville, Quebec, First Vice President;
• Sandra Walker of Pacific Northwest Cremation in Spokane, Washington, Second Vice President;
• William “Bill” Clark of Kootenay Enterprises Inc. in Trail, British Columbia, Third Vice President;
• Timothy “Tim” Borden of Borden Mortuary Group in Louisville, Kentucky, CANA Treasurer; 
• Robert Hunsaker of Serenity Funeral Home in St. George, Utah, Immediate Past President;
• Judy Olson of National Guardian Life Insurance Company, CANA Supplier Liaison; 
• E. Gene Allen of Kerrville Funeral Home;
• Stephen “Steve” Bassett of Legacy Funeral Group;
• Dirk Bearden of Service Corporation International; 
• John Goobeck of Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors; 
• Timothy “Tim” Koch of Metro First Call;
• 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;
• Jason Widing of Foundation Partners Group; and
• Lara M. Price of Pappas Grubbs Price PC, CANA General Counsel.

RETIRING BOARD

The Membership also recognized two retiring Board Members. Past President Caressa Hughes has concluded her role as Officer and will begin her service as Technical Liaison for Government and Legal Affairs. As President from 2022-2023, Caressa Hughes, Assistant Vice President of Government and Industry Relations for Service Corporation International, guided the Association through many important projects. She helped conduct communications with the Federal Trade Commission regarding changes to The Funeral Rule and oversaw development of a new three-year strategic plan. 

Kim Price of Memory Glass served two terms as Supplier Liaison, from 2018 to 2024. Her passion, commitment, and drive for CANA and the profession are unmatched and propelled the association during her six-year tenure. 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 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.