Young Funeral Directors (YFD) Annual Distinguished Service Award

Meet Your 2025 Finalists:

We are proud to introduce this year’s Top Four Finalists for the YFD Distinguished Service Award—each representing excellence, dedication, and passion in the funeral service profession. Due to a tie in scoring, four individuals have earned this esteemed recognition:

• Elizabeth Lynch, Lynch Family Funeral Home, Urbana

• Keith May, Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen

• Kandice Saulsberry, CFSP, Dale-Riggs Funeral Home, Toledo

• Jennifer Schlosser, Schlosser Funeral Home, Wapakoneta

Recognition and Benefits for Award Finalists:

• The top three (3) highest-scored candidates will receive a complimentary single-day registration to the OFDA Annual Convention in the year they are selected.
• All three finalists will be recognized during the Awards Ceremony at the OFDA Convention and Exhibition.
• The Distinguished Service Award will be presented to the selected recipient, whose name will also be added to the permanent Distinguished Service Award Plaque displayed at the OFDA office.

Award Recipient Perks:

• The selected recipient will receive $500 toward OFDA continuing education course(s) or a funeral industry convention, supporting their ongoing professional growth.
• A personalized press release will be prepared and shared across the OFDA media network to celebrate the recipient’s achievements.