NGL celebrates team members’ impressive achievements and performance

Madison, Wis. (October 7, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) recognized four team members with G.R.I.T. Awards during its companywide All Hands Meeting in September. The awards incorporate NGL’s vision for the future, Together for Tomorrow, into its team members’ daily professional lives. The peer nominations recognized and celebrated colleagues for their outstanding achievements and performance.

The awards highlight the winning mindsets that need to be demonstrated for everyone to deliver and successfully achieve NGL’s goals and vision.

There are four distinct categories for the G.R.I.T. Awards:

Growth and Personal Development Award – Kyle Steensland, New Business Process Analyst

The recipient of this award sets clear professional and personal growth objectives. They hold themselves accountable for their own growth and NGL accountable for support. The individual also embraces courageous conversations and chooses to stay resilient through challenges.

Kyle was nominated two times for the Growth and Personal Development Award and received a nomination for a different category. One person who nominated Kyle shared, “Kyle has been endlessly dedicated to the New Business team and NGL. He always goes the extra mile when approached with questions or requests. Kyle is not afraid to dive deep into the nitty gritty to find an answer when something is unresolved or unclear. On top of that, while he is generous with both his time and knowledge, his work is never short of being detailed, thorough, and timely.”

Resilience and Accountability Award – Cody Lomholt, Assistant Vice President, IT Operations

This award recipient is resilient and perseveres. They believe in holding themselves and others accountable for actions and outcomes. Commitment to results and follow through is a basis of their work ethic.

Cody received three nominations for the Resilience and Accountability Award. Nominators shared, “Cody consistently demonstrates resilience and accountability in managing the IT Software and Services budget with exceptional diligence and integrity. He holds himself and vendors to the highest standards. Cody has been instrumental in pulling together large IT initiatives and working closely with vendors to achieve good outcomes.”

Initiative, Drive and Execution Award – Terry Bosky, Senior Payment Specialist

This award is for the NGL team member who takes initiative with a bias for effective action. They ask for help when needed and look beyond daily tasks to effectively execute plans.

Terry received five nominations for the Initiative, Drive and Execution Award. One nomination explained, “Terry incorporates initiative, drive and execution into each of his projects at NGL. Terry is not only meticulous and organized in creating clear and accurate resources for all NGL employees to utilize, but he creates an environment where people feel safe to take risks and share ideas without fear of judgment. Terry encourages team members to develop their skills and others to help them along the way. His knowledge tagged with his understanding make you feel valued and supported.”

Trust in Each Other Award – Sarah Reed, Operations Manager

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated trust in themselves, peers and leaders. They empower others, is empowered and delegates, as well as fosters open communication by giving and receiving constructive feedback. Collaboration within and across teams is paramount to their work.

Sarah received five nominations for this award. “Sarah goes above and beyond for our team. Multiple times I have gone to Sarah with any kind of issue, and she does all she can to track down the resolution and always makes me feel like I am an appreciated member of the team. She really does care about all of us and wants us all to become the best versions of ourselves.”

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.

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. 

NGL celebrates team members’ impressive achievements and performance

Madison, Wis. (August 5, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) recognized four team members with G.R.I.T. Awards during its companywide All Hands Meeting in July. The awards incorporate NGL’s vision for the future, Together for Tomorrow, into its team members’ daily professional lives. The peer nominations recognized and celebrated colleagues for their outstanding achievements and performance.

The awards highlight the winning mindsets that need to be demonstrated for everyone to deliver and successfully achieve NGL’s goals and vision.

There are four distinct categories for the G.R.I.T. Awards:

Growth and Personal Development Award – Dylan Etter, Payroll and Disbursements Manager

The recipient of this award sets clear professional and personal growth objectives. They hold themselves accountable for their own growth and NGL accountable for support. The individual also embraces courageous conversations and chooses to stay resilient through challenges.

Dylan was nominated three times for the Growth and Personal Development Award. One person who nominated Dylan shared, “Dylan is a remarkably dedicated team player and is consistently willing to take on new challenges to ensure business needs are met. Dylan is not afraid to ask tough questions when needed, and approaches problems with a practical, thoughtful mindset. He is considerate of other viewpoints and always open to learning new things.”

Resilience and Accountability Award – Courtney Shaffer, Senior Business Systems Analyst

This award recipient is resilient and perseveres. They believe in holding themselves and others accountable for actions and outcomes. Commitment to results and follow through is a basis of their work ethic.

Courtney was awarded the Resilience and Accountability Award. “Courtney has shown growth and resilience by learning and approaching her understanding of technical integrations and corresponding work. Through all of this she has now taken on a large assignment to look more wholistically at integrations for an initiative.”

Initiative, Drive and Execution Award – Andy Mohr, Assistant Vice President, Internal Audit

This award is for the NGL team member who takes initiative with a bias for effective action. They ask for help when needed and look beyond daily tasks to effectively execute plans.

Receiving four nominations for the Initiative, Drive and Execution Award, Andy incorporates initiative, drive and execution into each of his projects at NGL. “Andy quietly and consistently accomplishes all that he is asked to, and more. His analytical and mindful approach has helped to streamline timelines, test procedures, and expand scope; resulting in reduced fees and increased internal understanding of workflows. He willingly takes on additional responsibility if it benefits the organization.”

Trust in Each Other Award – Jaime Perez, Senior Agent Solutions Coordinator

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated trust in themselves, peers and leaders. They empower others, is empowered and delegates, as well as fosters open communication by giving and receiving constructive feedback. Collaboration within and across teams is paramount to their work.

“Jaime is always the first one who takes initiative to complete daily tasks and with an upbeat attitude. She is always available for the team as a resource for help with escalated calls, questions in regards to a pending application or a process or just to bounce ideas off. Jaime is truly someone that we can rely on and is there for the team in the most upbeat, can-do personality and always rooting for the team.”

NGL is a life and health insurance company specializing in individual and group products. We offer a suite of innovative insurance products for life’s journey, giving our customers financial stability, careful guidance and peace of mind. With 116 years in the insurance industry, we take pride in delivering on our promises across generations with collaboration and compassion.

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.

Photo from left to right: Dylan Etter, Payroll and Disbursements Manager; Jaime Perez, Senior Agent Solutions Coordinator; Courtney Shaffer, Senior Business Systems Analyst; Joe Celentano, President & CEO. Not pictured: Andy Mohr, Assistant Vice President, Internal Audit.

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.

NGL celebrates team members’ impressive achievements and performance

Madison, Wis. (April 17, 2025) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) recognized four team members with G.R.I.T. Awards during its companywide All Hands Meeting in April. The awards incorporate NGL’s vision for the future, Together for Tomorrow, into its team members’ daily professional lives. Over 100 peer nominations recognized and celebrated colleagues for their outstanding achievements and performance.

The awards highlight the winning mindsets that need to be demonstrated for everyone to deliver and successfully achieve NGL’s goals and vision.

There are four distinct categories for the G.R.I.T. Awards:

Growth and Personal Development Award – Brandon Hellwig, Senior Sales Analyst

The recipient of this award sets clear professional and personal growth objectives. They hold themselves accountable for their own growth and NGL accountable for support. The individual also embraces courageous conversations and chooses to stay resilient through challenges.

Brandon was nominated four times for the Growth and Personal Development Award. “Brandon has shown leadership, is courteous and professional,” shared one nominator. “He is reliable, knowledgeable and extremely organized. Brandon has grown and developed in his position.”

Resilience and Accountability Award – Bruce Nyberg, iSeries Support Specialist

This award recipient is resilient and perseveres. They believe in holding themselves and others accountable for actions and outcomes. Commitment to results and follow through is a basis of their work ethic.

Receiving six nominations from his colleagues, Bruce was awarded the Resilience and Accountability Award. One person who nominated Bruce said, “Bruce holds himself strongly accountable for all the work that he does. He is an invaluable resource for NGL, as well as an outstanding person. He is always willing to help others and solve problems. Bruce goes above and beyond to stay later or drop everything he is working on to help.”

Initiative, Drive and Execution Award – Mandie Hall, Account Success Associate

This award is for the NGL team member who takes initiative with a bias for effective action. They ask for help when needed and look beyond daily tasks to effectively execute plans.

Receiving four nominations for the Initiative, Drive and Execution Award, Mandie incorporates initiative, drive and execution into each of her projects at NGL. “Mandie is understanding, compassionate and knowledgeable. She takes the time to make sure that any issues are heard and resolved. She shows tremendous leadership, is a great worker and an even better person.”

Trust in Each Other Award – Colin Regan, Senior Agent Solutions Coordinator

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated trust in themselves, peers and leaders. They empower others, is empowered and delegates, as well as fosters open communication by giving and receiving constructive feedback. Collaboration within and across teams is paramount to their work.

“Colin exemplifies trust through his strong communication skills, deep understanding of the business and commitment to collaboration. He consistently demonstrates professionalism by articulating ideas clearly, facilitating productive discussions and guiding teams toward well-informed decisions. Through his actions, Colin not only builds trust but also strengthens the success of those around him.”

NGL is a life and health insurance company specializing in individual and group products. We offer a suite of innovative insurance products for life’s journey, giving our customers financial stability, careful guidance and peace of mind. With 116 years in the insurance industry, we take pride in being there for our customers when they need it most.

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.

In the cover photo: From left to right: Joe Celentano, President & CEO; Bruce Nyberg, iSeries Support Specialist; Brandon Hellwig, Senior Sales Analyst; Colin Regan, Senior Agent Solutions Coordinator; Cara Capretta, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer Not pictured: Mandie Hall, Account Success Associate

NGL celebrates team members’ impressive achievements and performance

Madison, Wis. (December 31, 2024) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company’s (NGL) inaugural G.R.I.T. Awards were launched during its December End of Year Celebration. The awards incorporate NGL’s vision for the future, Together for Tomorrow, into its team members’ daily professional lives. Peer nominations recognize and celebrate colleagues for their outstanding achievements and performance.

The awards highlight the winning mindsets that need to be demonstrated for everyone to deliver and successfully achieve NGL’s goals and vision.

There are four distinct categories for the G.R.I.T. Awards:

Growth and Personal Development Award – Oscar Hernandez Tinajero, Technical Support

The recipient of this award sets clear professional and personal growth objectives. They hold themselves accountable for their own growth and NGL accountable for support. The individual also embraces courageous conversations and chooses to stay resilient through challenges.

Oscar was nominated four times for the Growth and Personal Development Award. “Oscar is driven to learn and advance his career at NGL by challenging himself,” shares one nominator. “He joined the IT Customer Service team from a business role, volunteered to join the implementation team for the Data Center moveout weekend, and has now volunteered to assist a more technical team in order to challenge himself and further his career. Oscar continues to show a drive to challenge himself to grow and impresses everyone around him with his ability to succeed at those challenges.”

Resilience and Accountability Award – Jen Hatton, Senior Commissions Administrator

This award recipient is resilient and perseveres. They believe in holding themselves and others accountable for actions and outcomes. Commitment to results and follow through is a basis of their work ethic.

Receiving five nominations from her colleagues, Jen was awarded the Resilience and Accountability Award. One person who nominated Jen says, “She sets an amazing example of resilience and accountability on the Commissions team. Jen’s continual commitment to finding solutions and generating new ideas, even in difficult situations, is a testament to her resilience and perseverance. She also leads by example by keeping herself accountable. She freely admits mistakes, along with learning from them, while frequently helping our own team and even other teams identify and overcome challenges in order to succeed.”

Initiative, Drive and Execution Award – Jessica Miller, Assistant Vice President, Financial Planning, Payroll and Disbursements

This award is for the NGL team member who takes initiative with a bias for effective action. They ask for help when needed and look beyond daily tasks to effectively execute plans.

Receiving three nominations for the Initiative, Drive and Execution Award, Jessica incorporates initiative, drive and execution into each of her projects at NGL. “Jessica has worked tirelessly to improve key processes. She drove the implementation of a new accounts payable software which enabled better workflow, tracking and automation of disbursements coding. She overhauled the budget process and has worked collaboratively with every budget owner throughout NGL to help them understand their costs and plan accurately for the coming year. Jessica executes on every task she takes on and has a true drive for excellence. She is a team player and does her best to provide one-on-one customer service to the organization, no matter how busy she is.”

Trust in Each Other Award – Lisa Warner, Claims Adjudicator

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated trust in themselves, peers and leaders. They empower others, is empowered and delegates, as well as fosters open communication by giving and receiving constructive feedback. Collaboration within and across teams is paramount to their work.

“Lisa is always available to help deal with complicated claims or to help train newer members on different types of claims. She has been the point person on several complicated claims this year, some of which have involved multiple beneficiaries who have unique needs and questions. She also has a wonderful personality and adds so much to the team.”

NGL is a life and health insurance company specializing in individual and group products. We offer a suite of innovative insurance products for life’s journey, giving our customers financial stability, careful guidance and peace of mind. With 115 years in the insurance industry, we take pride in being there for our customers when they need it most.

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.

Your Voice Matters: NFDA Members Set to Influence National Policy at 2025 Advocacy Summit

Brookfield, Wis. – With the 119th Congress beginning its two-year session in early-January, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is calling on members to unite in Washington, D.C., for the 2025 Advocacy Summit. Taking place April 9-11, 2025, at the historic Mayflower Hotel, this exclusive event for NFDA members offers a critical opportunity to re-engage with national leaders who have served our country for years and build relationships with newly elected leaders who have yet to learn how their work has a direct impact on the funeral service profession and grieving families.

Advocacy in Action

The NFDA Advocacy Summit is more than just a gathering – it’s a powerful opportunity to ensure that the voice of the funeral service profession is heard at the highest levels of government. During last year’s Summit, attendees participated in nearly 200 meetings with Members of Congress or their staff, making a tangible impact on legislative understanding and action.

“NFDA is always looking out for its members and their interests,” said NFDA President Chris Robinson, CFSP, CCO. “We have a full-time lobbyist in Washington who advocates for your interests every day on Capitol Hill, but there’s no substitute for visiting the offices of Members of Congress all at once to explain our stance on issues and share our personal stories as funeral directors on the front lines helping families through difficult times. These stories resonate with lawmakers and help them understand how their decisions directly affect our ability to serve grieving families and communities.”

Navigating a New Legislative Landscape

With the new session of Congress, a fresh legislative agenda will take shape. Lesley Witter, MPA, CAE, NFDA Senior Vice President of Advocacy, emphasized the importance of early engagement: “The legislative slate is wiped clean in January. We’ll be actively engaged and helping to shape legislation and regulation. We will brief members on the key legislation and regulations that will impact the funeral service profession; it’s these issues that NFDA members will be advocating for during the Advocacy Summit.”

Additionally, attendees will have an opportunity to speak with their elected officials about other critical issues such as the financial impact that the funeral service profession has on the nation and the individual states from which they hail, the ongoing reviews of formaldehyde by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Funeral Rule by the Federal Trade Commission, and much more.

A Rich Program of Activities

The Advocacy Summit will include all the elements NFDA members have come to expect and enjoy, including a Welcome Reception, an issues briefing, and optional activities like a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and a tour of Washington, D.C.

The heart of the Summit remains the day that NFDA members will spend on Capitol Hill meeting with federal elected officials. During these critical meetings, NFDA members will take a proactive approach to advancing legislation that affects funeral service, small business and bereaved families.

“Legislators need to hear from you directly,” emphasized Witter. “They need to understand how their decisions affect not just your profession and business, but the grieving families you serve. The Advocacy Summit is your chance to tell those stories and influence the future of funeral service.”

Real Voices, Real Impact

Past participants have described the Advocacy Summit as transformative. “My favorite part was being able to go to the Capitol and advocate for the profession I love so much,” said one 2024 Advocacy Summit participant. “Being able to be a voice for all of us in this field was something that I will hold near to my heart. It is something that I am passionate about and being able to advocate for change is a great feeling.”

“I had the absolute best experience participating in this event,” noted another 2024 Summit participant. “The best part was being able to talk to staff on Capitol Hill about things that are important to me as a funeral director. I can’t wait for next year!”

Maximizing the Capitol Hill Experience

To help attendees make the most of their time on Capitol Hill, NFDA has again partnered with Advocacy Associates. This experienced firm will schedule meetings with federal legislators and staff, ensuring each attendee’s voice is heard by those who can make a difference.

Between meetings, attendees can visit the NFDA Welcome Room at the Capitol Hill Club, a comfortable space to relax, enjoy refreshments and debrief with fellow members. NFDA staff and board members will be on hand to offer support and answer questions.

NFDA Members Encouraged to Register Early

NFDA members can save when they register by the March 7, 2025, early-bird deadline. Registering by March 7, 2025, will also give NFDA and Advocacy Associates the lead time needed to request and schedule Congressional meetings for Summit participants. To ensure the Advocacy Summit addresses the critical legislative and regulatory issues that impact NFDA members, participation is limited to association members, their families and state association staff. Online registration closes March 31, 2025.

Attendees must make their hotel reservations at the Mayflower Hotel by March 7, 2025, to lock in the exclusive Advocacy Summit rate of $374 per night plus fees and taxes. The Advocacy Summit room block will fill up quickly – those who are planning to participate in the Summit should book their room as soon as possible.

NFDA members should visit NFDA.org/AdvocacySummit for the latest information about the Advocacy Summit, registration and booking hotel accommodations at the Mayflower Hotel. Information and registration are also available by calling NFDA 800-228-6332 (262-789-1880).

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.