Funeral Directors Life Names Alex Farnstrom as Market Center Manager

ABILENE, TX — Funeral Directors Life is proud to announce Alex Farnstrom as Market Center Manager for the Western region. Alex will serve funeral homes on the West Coast, along with Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

“We are very excited to add Alex to our Sales Management Team,” said Kris Seale, President and CEO of Funeral Directors Life. “Alex has more than 30 years of experience in the funeral profession and knows what it means to own and operate a funeral home. He’ll be of great service to our clients in the West.”

For more than 25 years, Alex owned and operated Farnstrom Mortuaries in Oregon. He led his business to
become one of the premier funeral homes in his area, serving more than 1,200 families a year across five
locations. This hands-on experience will allow Alex to help funeral homes achieve unprecedented success.

“Alex has a deep understanding of the funeral profession and will be a tremendous asset to our partners,” said Eric Espinosa, Director of Sales Development for Funeral Directors Life. “His insights into what makes a great partner will help us continue to elevate our service and support.”

Alex holds a degree in Funeral Service Education Science along with funeral director and embalmer licenses in California, Kansas, Oregon, and Texas.

“I look forward to meeting with funeral professionals, learning about their aspirations, and helping them achieve their goals,” Alex said. “I hope to utilize my years of experience as an owner and executive to be an extension of their business. I have no doubts this is going to be a wonderful experience!”

About Funeral Directors Life

Funeral Directors Life is focused on being the best, most-respected provider of service to the funeral profession with preneed funeral solutions, financial services, and technology offerings. We help our clients improve their businesses and grow their profitability through our full-service solutions. Your business requires more than preneed solutions – that’s why we’re more than a preneed company. For more information about Funeral Directors Life, visit us online at www.fdl.co.

Foundation Partners Group Names Leviathan Winn CFO 

Will Serve as Strategic Enabler of Growth

WINTER PARK, Fla. (September 16, 2025) Foundation Partners Group, the nation’s second largest provider of funeral services, today announced the appointment of Leviathan Winn as chief financial officer (CFO), effective this week. Winn will oversee the company’s financial strategy, planning, capital structure and business performance management. 

“Leviathan is a proven financial operator with deep experience in turnaround and multi-site services businesses,” said Foundation Partners’ CEO John D. Smith. “He brings a track record of driving disciplined financial performance, building high-performing teams and partnering closely with operators to translate strategy into results. These strengths will be critical as we continue our transformation into a unified operating company focused on growth and delivering exceptional end-of-life care to families across the nation.”

Most recently, Winn served as CFO at Destination Pet, LLC, the largest pet boarding, day care and vet services platform in the United States. He previously served as CFO at Odoba Restaurant Corporation and Global CFO at Taco Bell, a division of Yum! Brands, Inc. Prior to that, he worked in various financial and strategic capacities, including serving as the Head of Strategic Development for the Consumer Bank at JP Morgan Chase, and serving as a strategy, restructuring and transformation consultant at McKinsey & Company. He began his career in the investment banking at Citi in New York, NY.

Winn received his undergraduate degree in finance from Texas A&M University, and his MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

“I am confident that Leviathan’s leadership and expertise will help us strengthen our foundation and accelerate our momentum of profitable growth to achieve our shared vision,” Smith added.

About Foundation Partners Group  

Winter Park, Florida-based Foundation Partners Group is one of the industry’s most innovative providers of funeral services and the second-largest funeral home group in the country based on the number of families served. Foundation Partners owns and operates a network of over 250 funeral homes, cremation centers and cemeteries across 21 states. Our deep understanding of technology and customer experience-centered approach allows us to deliver truly innovative and compassionate care to the families we serve. Visit www.foundationpartners.com to learn more.  

Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science Names Mark Ivey as New President

Cincinnati, Ohio July 28, 2025 – The Board of Trustees of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (CCMS) proudly announces the appointment of Mark Ivey as the new President of the college, effective immediately. Ivey brings a wealth of leadership experience, a deep respect for funeral service education, and a strong vision for the future of the institution.

Mark Ivey succeeds Poul Lemasters, who has served as interim President and will continue to support the transition and strategic initiatives of the college.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark Ivey as our next President,” said Kathleen Shaffer, President of the CCMS Board of Trustees. “His energy, experience, and genuine passion for education and death care will elevate the legacy of CCMS and position us for continued growth and innovation in preparing tomorrow’s funeral service leaders.”

A seasoned professional with over 25 years in higher education leadership and strategic development, Ivey is known for fostering collaboration, advancing student success, and creating sustainable institutional change.

“Stepping in as interim president has been an honor,” shared Poul Lemasters, who led the institution through a period of transition. “Mark’s appointment is exactly what CCMS needs to continue its mission of excellence. His presence brings stability, inspiration, and a forward-thinking mindset that will serve our students and profession well.”

In accepting the role, Mark Ivey expressed gratitude and enthusiasm: “I am deeply honored to lead Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, an institution with such a rich history and impact on funeral service education. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners to build on the strong foundation already in place. Together, we will shape a bold and compassionate future for our profession.”

Under Ivey’s leadership, CCMS will continue to expand academic offerings, enhance student services, and strengthen its national reputation as a premier institution in funeral service education.

Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science is an institution which endeavors to develop end of life professionals who can function with distinction within their chosen profession and within the community of life. The College strives to provide the best education possible, and focuses on offerings that provide convenience, accessibility and outreach to learners. For more information about Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, visit www.ccms.edu.

The West Virginia Funeral Directors and Crematory Operators Association Names ASD as Preferred Provider of Answering Services 

Charleston, WV— The West Virginia Funeral Directors and Crematory Operators Association (WVFDCOA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with ASD – Answering Service for Directors. ASD will join the WVFDCOA’s Preferred Provider Program. This program was designed by WVFDCOA to help members operate more efficiently and increase profits while working with best-in-class organizations. 

ASD is the only answering service devoted solely to the needs of funeral directors. The company serves more than 8,000 funeral homes and is the preferred choice among Independent Funeral Homes and Funeral Home Directors. ASD maintains the highest degree of professionalism with extensive training, cutting-edge technology and an unmatched level of transparency. 

The WVFDCOA delivers innovative and pertinent resources, solutions and support to funeral homes located in West Virginia. The association’s mission is to support members in being professionally, ethically, and operationally superior, and to advocate for the funeral service profession before state and federal lawmakers. Additionally, the WVFDCOA also works to educate the public and provide continuing education opportunities to its members.

The WVFDCOA’s Preferred Provider Program invites members to take advantage of exclusive savings from top tier funeral home companies. The WVFDCOA invested a great deal of time and research evaluating ASD’s services, technology and history before partnering with the company. As part of the new partnership, ASD will offer WVFDCOA members an extended, eight-week Free Trial of ASD’s services with all set-up fees waived. 

“ASD is honored to participate in the WVFDCOA’s Preferred Partner Program. We were highly impressed by the level of research the association devoted to this decision,” says ASD Vice President and Family-Member Owner, Kevin Czachor. “Both ASD and the WVFDCOA are committed to providing funeral professionals with the tools they need to manage and grow their businesses.”

ASD is looking forward to meeting with WVFDCOA members at the annual convention later this month in Canaan Valley. The company is enthusiastic about helping the WVFDCOA achieve its objections while offering West Virginia funeral directors exclusive benefits. For more information about ASD’s Partnership with the WVFDCOA, please visit www.myasd.com/wvfdcoa/. 

About the West Virginia Funeral Directors and Crematory Operators Association 

The West Virginia Funeral Directors and Crematory Operators Association is a not-for-profit organization committed to advocating on behalf of its members. Founded in 1895, the association provides funeral and crematory professionals with continuing education, representation in the legislature and executive offices of the State Government, annual conventions and educational meetings, networking, and vendor discounts. 

About ASD

ASD – Answering Service for Directors has created a new class of answering service for the funeral profession. Family owned and operated since 1972, ASD blends state-of-the-art technology with an extensive, 6-month training program focusing on compassionate care. The company’s custom-built communication systems and sophisticated mobile tools were designed solely to meet the needs of funeral professionals. By offering funeral directors unmatched protection for their calls, ASD has redefined the role of an answering service for funeral homes.  For more information, visit www.myASD.com or call 1-800-868-9950.

It’s been over eight months since cremation oriented funeral home and cemetery operator Foundation Partners Group (FPG) has been without a permanent CEO at their Orlando, Florida, offices.  We received news this week that FPG has now named and hired their new Chief Executive. . . and with this decision the company reached across occupational industry lines by hiring John D. Smith.

Smith, as this press release from Foundation Partners Group indicates, comes to FPG after serving as CEO of “New York City-based Icon Parking, where he garnered the National Parking Association’s Innovator of the Year Award in 2023”.

The press release continues with this information about Smith, “Prior to joining Icon, he was chief operating officer at Aaron’s Inc., a leading omnichannel provider of lease-purchase solutions. Smith has dedicated his career to building innovative consumer experiences across multiple industries, including chief executive roles in retail, hospitality, restaurants, entertainment and board positions at the Atlanta Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and Carrolls Corporation, one of the largest restaurant franchisees in North America.”

Chris Blackwell, Foundation Partners interim CEO who led the search to find the new CEO, made these prepared remarks of Smith and the company’s search process, “In a competitive search, John emerged as the candidate uniquely suited to inspire our funeral directors and the entire team to deliver on our mission to bring ease and comfort to families.“

According to the press release, “Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Temple University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.”

Foundation Partners Group owns and operates a network of over 250 funeral homes, cremation centers, and cemeteries across 21 states.

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

National Guardian Life Insurance Company Names Joseph Celentano as New CEO

MADISON, WI (April 2, 2024) — National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) Board of Directors announced today that Joseph (Joe) Celentano will join the Madison Wisconsin-based mutual life insurance company as President & CEO effective May 6. Celentano will also serve on the NGL Board of Directors.

Celentano is an experienced life insurance industry professional with more than 30 years in leadership positions at Pacific Life, a mutual based insurer. He most recently served as Executive Vice President of Pacific Life’s Retirement Solutions Division during which he managed the impacts of the Covid pandemic while increasing profitable annuity sales through the launch of new and innovative annuity products.

“Joe’s extensive mutual life experience and risk management expertise combined with his leadership skills will serve us well as he leads NGL’s next phase of growth,” said Gary Wolter, chair of NGL’s Board of Directors. “He knows the mutual insurance culture, understands the important role our preneed products have in helping families, and values building partnerships.”

While at Pacific Life, Celentano held a variety of positions ranging from product development officer to divisional CFO, to enterprise-wide Chief Risk Officer. His most recent position was Executive Vice President with overall responsibility for the Retirement Solutions Division. Joe’s experience includes co-chairing the company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, leading digital transformation efforts and participating in setting overall company strategy. 

“I am honored to lead NGL and become part of the team,” said Celentano. “NGL’s strong financials, leading position in the preneed market and mutual company culture make NGL poised for future success. My wife Kathy and I look forward to moving and settling in Madison.”

Kim Shaul, who served as interim CEO, will return to her position as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, working with Celentano for a seamless leadership transition. “On behalf of the NGL Board of Directors I would like to thank Kim for her leadership in keeping the company focused and profitable during the time of the search,” said Wolter.

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 http://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.

The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association Names 2023 “Keeping it Personal” (KIP) Award Winners

STERLING, VA (March 14, 2024) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) has named its 2023 Keeping It Personal (KIP) Award winners, recognizing the best in personalization in the cemetery and memorialization profession. 

Created by the ICCFA Personalization Committee in 2001, the KIP Award program honors recipients in four categories: Most Personalized Service/Memorial for Funeral Home, Most Personalized Service/Memorial for Cemetery, Most Personalized Pet Service, and Innovative Personalized Product. 

This year’s contest attracted entries from ICCFA members in Brazil, Canada, Guatemala, The Philippines, and the United States. Professionals from outside the deathcare profession judged the entries. The 2023 KIP winners and honorable mentions will be recognized during the President’s Banquet on Thursday, April 11 beginning at 6:00 PM at the 2024 ICCFA Annual Convention & Exposition in Tampa, Florida, April 10-13, 2024. Descriptions of each winning entry and honorable mention are available at iccfa.com/awards. 

The winners are as follows:

Most Personalized Service or Memorial (Cemetery)

First Place and Overall Grand Prize Winner

Cave Hill Cemetery and Hosparus Join Forces to Serve Children
Cave Hill Cemetery & Arboretum – Louisville, Kentucky

Honorable Mention

Momentos Que Nos Unen
Señoriales Corporación de Servicios – Guatemala

Most Personalized Service or Memorial (Funeral Home)

First Place

Rite of Passage: Jefferson Memorial Cemetery with Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Students for Burial Event
Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, Funeral Home, Crematory & Arboretum – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Honorable Mention

Eldon’s Last Ride
Pray Funeral Home – Charlotte, Michigan

Most Personalized Pet Service

First Place 

The Eterneva Diamond That Saves Hundreds of Dogs Per Year
Eterneva – Austin, Texas

Honorable Mention 

An Altar Woven with the Traces of Eternal Love
Señoriales Corporación de Servicios – Guatemala

Innovative/Personalized Product (Suppliers)

First Place

Life’s QR
Life’s QR – Niagara Falls, Canada

Honorable Mention 

Etern.life Memorial Map
Passages International, Inc. – Albuquerque, New Mexico

# # #

Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association comprises over 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.