Big Move in Deathcare Tech: Courtney Gould Miller Moves from Tribute Technology to Homesteaders Life Company

Courtney Gould Miller, a well-known leader in funeral service technology and digital strategy, is transitioning from Tribute Technology to join Homesteaders Life Company as Chief Growth Officer. The move represents a strategic shift for Miller while reinforcing Homesteaders’ continued investment in innovation, digital growth, and long-term relevance in the deathcare profession.

Courtney has been instrumental in helping Tribute Technology evolve into one of the profession’s most comprehensive digital platforms. During her time at Tribute, the company moved beyond standalone tools and toward a more unified ecosystem, designed to reduce complexity for funeral homes, eliminate redundant workflows, and create a more seamless experience for both professionals and the families they serve.

Her work helped position Tribute as a technology partner focused not just on features, but on usability, integration, and long-term value for funeral homes navigating an increasingly digital landscape.

As Courtney steps into her new role at Homesteaders, her relationship with Tribute will continue. She will remain involved as an advisor, supporting the company through strategic initiatives, industry events, and ongoing collaboration. The transition has been closely coordinated between the two organizations, reflecting a strong and positive partnership that remains intact.

A Strategic Growth Role at Homesteaders

At Homesteaders Life Company, Miller will join the executive team as Chief Growth Officer, where she will bring a digital-first growth perspective across the organization. Her role will extend beyond traditional marketing to include oversight and influence across technology investments, digital consumer journeys, and growth-oriented initiatives tied to preneed education and engagement.

Homesteaders has made significant investments in recent years to modernize how families interact with preneed solutions, and Miller’s appointment signals a continued commitment to meeting consumers where they are: digitally, relationally, and culturally.

In addition to marketing and brand strategy, Miller will be involved in evaluating and guiding technology initiatives that support Homesteaders’ broader vision. Her experience in building scalable, integrated platforms aligns with the company’s goal of creating digital solutions that match the size, reach, and responsibility of its mission.

Continuity and Momentum at Tribute Technology

Miller’s departure from Tribute comes at a time of strength for the company. Tribute continues to advance its vision of being a fully integrated, all-in-one technology platform for funeral homes, focused on reducing fragmented systems and simplifying how funeral professionals operate and serve families.

Leadership at Tribute has emphasized that the foundation built during Miller’s tenure positions the company well for continued growth and innovation. With leadership continuity in place and new product development underway, Tribute enters its next chapter with clarity and confidence.

A Move That Reflects the Direction of the Profession

Miller’s transition highlights a broader shift within the deathcare profession, one where technology, preneed, and consumer experience are becoming increasingly interconnected. Her move from a leading technology platform to a major preneed organization underscores the importance of cross-functional leadership and collaboration across the industry.

Rather than stepping away from deathcare, Miller is deepening her involvement, bringing her experience, perspective, and passion into a new role that bridges innovation and tradition.

As Homesteaders continues to expand its digital footprint and Tribute advances its platform vision, Miller’s ongoing connection to both organizations reflects a shared belief: the future of funeral service will be shaped by leaders who understand technology, growth, and the sacred responsibility of serving families.

Read full press release from Homesteaders Life Company

Read full press release from Tribute Technology

Using Data and Tech to Drive Funeral Home Success 

Scott Jensen and Zack Moy offer a practical guide at CANA’s 107^th Convention 

WHEELING, IL— Cut through the noise, clarify your results, and make smarter decisions for your business using data and technology! The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) brings together two industry experts to help you harness these powerful tools at the 107^th Annual Cremation Innovation Convention this August 6-8, 2025, in Phoenix.  

Scott Jensen will start by tackling one of the biggest frustrations funeral home owners face: not knowing whether their marketing plan is paying off. “When you’re looking at a report with impressions, clicks, rates, how do you know if that means they’re turning into calls or cases?” asks Scott. “Are people actually looking for a funeral home or are they just obituary clicks or directions to the service on Saturday? How can you know if your marketing is working?” 

With years of experience in digital marketing for the death care profession, Scott will share a simple, three-step process to help you define the right metrics, implement tracking, and confidently analyze your results. You’ll leave with actionable insights and free resources to take control of your marketing strategy and improve your ROI. 

Then, Zack Moy will demonstrate how technology can do more than just modernize your image—it can directly enhance your operations and your customer experience. “It’s not just about the business side,” he explains. “These problems directly affect the families you care for. At a time when they’re grieving and vulnerable, families trust you to handle sensitive details smoothly and carefully. Funeral homes do a great job managing the administrative work and creating a space for families to begin processing their emotions. But behind the scenes, it’s easy to get lost in all the details.” 

Drawing on real-world data, Zack will explore how digital tools can streamline planning, reduce strain on your staff, and expand your reach, even in a competitive market. Equipped with years of experience in software engineering, Zack is dedicated to building better tools for the community of funeral professionals who guide grieving families through difficult times. From improving productivity to boosting online engagement, you’ll discover how smart tech adoption can make your funeral home more efficient and effective. 

Put what matters first with targeted learning from each session at the CANA Convention: 

• In the keynote, Joan Fox, President of Inspired Solutions, asks Are You Creating or Killing Customer Loyalty?, and shares why customer satisfaction is an inadequate goal, how company culture and customer loyalty are connected, and what strategies measure customer loyalty to grow your business. 

• Take a close look at Ethics in Cremation: A Colorado Case Study with Faith Haug, Program Director of Arapahoe Community College Mortuary Science Program, and explore three pivotal cremation cases and how they directly influenced Colorado’s funeral service laws and public trust. 

• Succession planning and driving enterprise value should always be top of mind, so Jake Johnson, President & CEO of Johnson Consulting, will show how to Exit with Success: Succession Planning and Your Business. 

• In Historic Cemeteries Facing the Future, Regina Harrison, Director of Sales of Mount Auburn Cemetery, shares how to think creatively with options for cremation memorialization—whether you’re managing historic grounds or guiding families through end-of-life choices. 

• Barbara Kemmis, Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America and Chance Parker, Chief Research Officer of Fortitude Research + Marketing, present the Cremation Practitioner Benchmarking Study of insights into current practice and provides strategies to address future challenges. 

What could be better than what’s happening on the CANA stage? It might be the backdrop! The Convention hotel is the Arizona Biltmore which offers seven relaxing pools, five appealing shops featuring hand-curated pieces, three unique dining experiences, two picturesque golf courses, and one award-winning spa and salon – plus two iconic bars where you can revel in a tequila sunrise. You’re invited to explore, to discover, and to feel inspired by the colors, culture and the captivating energy of the Valley of the Sun. Make your reservation now at canarooms.com. 

To make the most of the resort experience, the CANA Convention schedule is revamped so you can enjoy all that Phoenix has to offer in the cool desert nights and mornings. First is a 9-hole scramble on The Estates Course at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club with an 8am shotgun start. Not a golfer? Take in the scenery with the Arizona Biltmore History Tour to explore the bold Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architecture, get the scoop on historic celebrated guests, and view the meticulous restoration. Moving at a different speed? Put relaxation first and take a yoga class or book your appointment at the award-winning Tierra Luna Spa and Sol Garden. Or take advantage of the resort pools open around the clock. 

Get a powerful look at how data—whether in marketing or operations—can be your greatest ally with Scott Jensen and Zack Moy at CANA’s 107^th Annual Convention this August 6-8, 2025. Special rates are available for teams to learn, grow, and implement strategies together. Plus, the schedule is redesigned to ensure you can explore the Valley of the Sun in the cool mornings and evenings and fully savor the networking and learning in the air-conditioned Convention hall during the heat of the day. Visit cremationassociation.org/CANA25 to learn more and register today! 

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. 

Tech Turbocharge in Baltimore to Elevate the Deathcare Profession with Digital Tools and Insights 

Join Your Peers on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 

When you come to Tech Turbocharge: Digital Tools to Elevate the Deathcare Profession, you’ll learn how to put technology to work for you, your staff, and most importantly – the families you serve.

On Dec. 11, 2025, some of the most trusted experts in deathcare will come together at the DoubleTree by Hilton Baltimore – BWI Airport to reveal why it’s so important to embrace new technology solutions and which tools can help your funeral home, crematory and/or cemetery boost market share. You’ll walk away with a blueprint so you can:

• Enhance the family experience: Modern tools provide personalized, seamless communication, helping families feel more supported during difficult times.
• Boost operational efficiency: Automation and integrated systems reduce administrative burdens, allowing staff to focus on compassionate service.
• Improve revenue streams: Advanced marketing and analytics tools can drive more preneed and at-need cases by reaching the right families at the right time.
• Future-proof your business: Early adoption of technology ensures long-term competitiveness as consumer expectations continue to evolve.

Visit www.TechTurbocharge.com to learn more about the event – or just click on the events tab on FuneralVision.com.

Continuing education applications for the event, which is hosted by FuneralVision.com, are underway.

“Whether it’s communicating with families over the phone, using technology to make services more personal, streamlining business processes or leveraging the potential of artificial intelligence, technology is increasingly at the core of funeral service,” said Thomas Parmalee, founder of FuneralVision.com. “We’re excited to offer an event that focuses on how funeral homes, crematories, combination operations and cemeteries to use technology to retain and boost market share, while also enhancing customer satisfaction and profitability.”

Speakers include:

Matthew Bailey is a sixth-generation licensed funeral director and embalmer, certified celebrant, certified crematory operator and celebrant trainer. He owns Connecticut Life Tributes, which includes B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, Bailey Funeral Home and Carpino Funeral Home. He will deliver a session titled “Tech that Touches: Using Technology to Enhance the Human Experience in Funeral Service.”

Minh Reid, manager of e-commerce and web strategy at Carriage Services, is a strategic leader in digital merchandising, e-commerce and site optimization, recognized for driving meaningful improvements in user experience and digital performance.  As manager of e-commerce and web strategy at Carriage Services, she spearheads initiatives that combine data-driven insights with compassionate design, helping funeral homes and cemeteries create digital experiences that are as supportive and accessible as in-person care.  

Brent Thomas, head of business development at Dead Ringers, has more than 28 years of experience in the deathcare profession. He began his journey in cemetery and funeral preneed sales before quickly advancing into sales leadership roles. He went on to work at Batesville and also led the sales training and development team at Homesteaders Life Company. He will deliver a session titled “Beyond the Call: Using Analytics, Learning and AI to Elevate the Customer Experience.”

Welton Hong, founder and CEO of Ring Ring Marketing and the secret weapon behind some of the deathcare profession’s highest volume firms, will deliver a presentation titled “Tech-Savvy Growth: How AI and Digital Marketing Can Elevate Your Business.”

Cole Waybright is the vice president of sales optimization at Homesteaders Life Company. He formerly was an executive at Foundation Partners Group, serving as vice president of sales operations, director of preneed and as a preneed manager. He will deliver a session titled “Breaking Silos: Maximizing Efficiency with Integrated Technology.”

Reserve Your Seat Early and Save Money! 

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Baltimore – BWI Airport is 10 minutes from Baltimore/Washington International Airport, with a free 24-hour shuttle both ways.

Its location near I-195 offers easy access to downtown: Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium, and the Inner Harbor are eight miles away. Enjoy a warm chocolate chip cookie when you arrive!

Register for Tech Turbocharge before Sept. 12 and you will pay only $229 per ticket, which includes breakfast and lunch. After the early-bird expires, everyone pays $349.

Reserve your hotel room at our special rate here:  https://group.doubletree.com/9nhuvg

Tech Turbocharge would not be possible without our generous sponsors, including our Platinum sponsor, Homesteaders Life Company; and our Gold sponsors, Celebrate Life Co., ASD – Answering Service for Directors, Nomis Publications and Ring Ring Marketing.

Don’t miss your chance to join your peers and move your business forward by signing up for Tech Turbocharge.

Don’t forget: Visit www.TechTurbocharge.com to learn more about the event – or just click on the events tab on FuneralVision.com.

Better Place Forests (BPF) has been known for being a place where families can have meaningful “in-person” experiences with memorialization in the company forests.  Last week we learned of BPF’s acquisition of digital platform Butterfly which will now give the company the addition of “High Tech” digital memorials that can be accessed online globally.

You can learn more about that acquisition here.

Here’s what Adam Tibbs, CEO of Better Place Forests, said in his prepared statements in the recent press release, “We are excited to welcome Butterfly into the Better Place family. This acquisition allows us to bridge the natural and digital worlds, ensuring that memories can live on in the physical beauty of our forests and in the digital space where they can be preserved across generations”.

According to the press release issued on October 3, “The acquisition enables Better Place to expand its reach exponentially by offering families both a meaningful in-person experience in its forests and the ease of a digital memorial that can be accessed online globally. The combined offering strengthens Better Place’s position as a leader in end-of-life services, providing families a spectrum of solutions that acknowledge the need to blend traditional and digital memorial experiences.”

The Butterfly platform will be rebranded as Better Place Memories and be a technology tool where families can share stories, photos, and videos to celebrate and remember loved ones.

Better Place Forests was established in 2015 and, according to Crunchbase, has raised over $79 million in capital to further its business plans.  As of now they offer permanent memorialization in nine memorial forest locations.  You can see where they are located by going to their website here.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily:  Over four decades ago I read John Naisbitt’s book, Megatrends.  In that book he talked about the need that when living in a high tech world we would also need “High-Touch” experiences.  That’s the first thing I thought of when I read the news about the BPF/Butterly combination.

From my point of view, Better Place Forests and Butterfly are now in a position to offer the best of both to the memorialization consumer.  A client can get both the “High-Touch” experience of being with a loved one’s remains at a solemn Better Place Forest location while at the same time get the “High-Tech” advantage of being able to share memories via the electronic media.

In that regard you can see a strategy of the company that combines environmental stewardship with innovative technology.

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