Recognizing Remarkable Women: Nominations Open for NFDA Inspiration Award

Brookfield, Wis. – The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is now accepting nominations for the third annual NFDA Inspiration Award. This prestigious award, presented during the NFDA Professional Women’s Conference, celebrates a distinguished and accomplished woman who has made meaningful contributions to the funeral service profession or a related field. NFDA thanks National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) for generously sponsoring this award. 

Nominations will be accepted online through February 17, 2025. The Inspiration Award recognizes individuals who consistently take the initiative to elevate the funeral service profession. Ideal nominees are enterprising leaders who mentor colleagues, inspire their peers and demonstrate a passion and energy that sets a powerful example for others. They must also have achieved significant accomplishments at the local, state, national or international level. 

“As more women step into leadership roles in funeral service, it’s vital to honor the incredible impact they’re making on this profession,” said NFDA CEO Christine Pepper, MBA, CAE. “The Inspiration Award is a testament to the trailblazers who have broken barriers, mentored others and elevated the standard of excellence in funeral service. NFDA is proud to recognize these extraordinary individuals.” 

“It’s an honor to support this initiative and celebrate women making a profound difference in funeral service,” said Jennifer Kaset, Vice President, Sales and Business Development, NGL. “The Inspiration Award highlights the passion, leadership and dedication that women bring to this profession, and I look forward to seeing this year’s deserving recipient recognized.” 

Nominees must be currently employed in the funeral service profession or a deathcare-related field and have a minimum of five years of experience working directly with families. In addition, nominees must:

• Actively work to elevate the funeral service profession.
• Engage in community and professional service organizations.
• Educate the public about the value of meaningful memorialization and the role of funeral directors.
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities.

 Nominations can be submitted online until 5 p.m. CT on February 17, 2025, at NFDA.org/InspirationAward. A distinguished panel of judges will select the winner, who will receive a complimentary registration for the 2025 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference and up to $1,000 to cover expenses for attending the conference, during which the award will be presented. (The 2025 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference will take place May 15-18 in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico.) 

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. 

2025 OGR Professional Service Award Nominations Are Open Until January 31

OGR Professional Service Awards recognizes outstanding achievements in the funeral profession

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (DECEMBER 10, 2024)- The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is proud to share the nomination period for the OGR Professional Service Awards is open from now until January 31, 2025. These awards honor individuals and funeral homes that have displayed exceptional dedication, innovation and commitment to excellence in the profession.

“We are thrilled to honor exceptional individuals and member firms who have raised the bar in the funeral profession,” said Wendy King, CAE, CVA, Executive Director/CEO of the International Order of the Golden Rule. “Each year, award winners showcase their dedication, innovation and commitment to excellence. Past winners have made a significant impact on their respective fields and have set a standard of excellence for others to follow.”

The OGR Professional Service Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the field, recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements in various categories. A distinguished panel of industry experts carefully review nominations and select the winners based on their demonstrated expertise, exceptional client service and significant impact in the funeral profession.  The winners of the 2025 OGR Professional Service Awards will be announced at the Golden Circle Awards Celebration during OGR’s signature event, PROGRESS, May 6-8, 2025 in Riverside, Calif.

Golden Light Award

The Golden Light Award salutes professional excellence exemplified by an individual member who has inspired others by their commitment to service through OGR involvement, community service or volunteer activities that demonstrate “service measured not by gold, but by the Golden Rule.”

Golden Rule Community Service Award

The Golden Rule Community Service Award singles out a member firm for outstanding service as demonstrated by activities benefiting local organizations and/or the community they serve. 

Golden Rule Exemplary Service Awards

The Exemplary Service Awards recognize Golden Rule firms that have displayed outstanding professionalism and exemplary service to the families they serve. Recipients are selected based on feedback received through OGR’s Family Contact Survey Program.

Applications close January 31, 2025, and are available on the official International Order of the Golden Rule website at www.OGR.org/Awards. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged by all OGR member firms. A complete list of award winners can also be found at www.OGR.org/Awards.

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.