Meet Your Speakers
Dominick J. AstorinoMortuary School Professor Worsham College of Mortuary ScienceWayne State University Dept. of Mortuary Science Dominick J. Astorino is a professor at the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago and the Wayne State University Department of Mortuary Science in Detroit where he writes and teaches courses in embalming, restorative art, and pathology. His academic background in biology, mortuary science, and forensic medicine combined with his ability to teach advanced techniques by applying basic principles make him uniquely qualified and have earned him accolades from students and colleagues alike. His professional work in the field of restorative art and embalming has been highlighted in publications worldwide as well as by frequent invitations to present lectures across the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Dominick believes in the power of education and the global value of the funeral service profession to society; he worked to create the Kenyan Embalming Education Initiative, which brought a standard of care, education, and supplies to the underprivileged mortuary workers in Kenya and presented the first formal embalming education seminar on the continent of Africa. He continues to work to improve mortuary care standards in countries across the world. Dominick also provides expert witness, review, and consultations for legal proceedings related to mortuary science, has served on the restorative art curriculum review committee for the American Board of Funeral Service Education, and is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the states of Michigan and Illinois. Embalming Track: Embalming Alcohol and Drug Abuse Cases
| Anna BernfeldSenior Vice President, Member RelationsNational Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Anna oversees recruitment and retention efforts of NFDA members in the United States and around the world. Additionally, she directs the development of relationships with endorsed providers and other efforts intended to build positive relationships with association members. She was hired as NFDA’s call center manager in 1997 and was promoted to vice president of membership in 2002. General Session: National Update
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Betsy BrumleyChief Executive Officer3rd Generation Music Publisher and Licensing ExpertMemory Valley Music
Learning Lab: Music & Memories: Elevating the Family's Journey Through the Power of Music
| Gary M. Burr, CFSPFuneral Director and EmbalmerOFDA Past President Krill Funeral Service, Inc. Gary M. Burr, CFSP has been licensed in Ohio as a Funeral Director and Embalmer since 1994 and in Indiana since 2000. He served as President of OFDA 2019-2020; He has given numerous presentations to OFDA groups from District meetings to OFDA Conventions. He served on a panel discussion virtual for NFDA to discuss COVID-19 preparations. Learning Lab: Pet Service: How Pet Service Will Benefit Your Bottom Line
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Jim BuschOwner and PresidentBusch Funeral and Crematory Services Jim Busch is the owner and president of Busch Funeral and Crematory Services. He is a fourth-generation funeral director, certified crematory operator and final expense insurance agent. General Session: Best Practices in Recruitment & Retention
| Brandon CatchenOwnerSCU Services Brandon Catchen has been in the funeral industry for 15 years with his family's funeral home, Catchen and Son Funeral located in Northern Kentucky. Through numerous and various opportunities in working in this field, Brandon saw the importance of his work and how he could be of service to families in times of need. As knowledge of his expertise grew, grieving families often approached Brandon with assistance to clean up a decomposition, homicides, and/or suicides. Thus, SCU Services was created to be that answer in 2019. "As a death professional I am looked at for answers. SCU has been that answer to families in their time of sudden need. I love to step into a home, provide accurate answers and service. My hope for SCU is that a family would never have to clean up after a loss of a loved one." Brandon and his business partner, Eric Northrup, have led and completed 300 cleans up operations combined. Learning Lab: Restoring Dignity: The Invaluable Role of Death and Trauma Cleanup Services
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Tabitha R. Cline-Mills, MBARegional Sales ManagerGreat Western Insurance, A Wellabe Company Tabitha R. Cline-Mills has been a regional manager with Great Western Insurance, a Wellabe Company for four years. Prior to that, she spent over a decade in the death-care business environment as a licensed funeral director/embalmer and Life & Health agent, wherein she sold preneed insurance concurrently for a full-service approach. Most of her career has been in the corporate sector, wherein she gained experience in project/change management, marketing and public speaking. She holds a Bachelor of Mortuary Science from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (2000) and a Master of Business Administration from West Texas A&M University (2019). Tabitha is pleased to be able to combine her business knowledge and practical experience to further business relationships with insurance and funeral professionals in her region to create a strategic portfolio of insurance products, aftercare/marketing programs and creative, personalized business solutions for preneed success with an at-need perspective. Preconvention Insurance Seminar: Ethics and Estate Planning: A Guide for Preplanning and Insurance Professionals
| Chris CrugerChief Executive OfficerThe Foresight Companies Chris Cruger is viewed as a thought leader within the funeral and cemetery profession. His great success is built on his exceptional ability to provide efficient solutions to the complex business challenges funeral and cemetery leaders are faced with. He continues to successfully improve Foresight’s operational and transactional services. Chris has the knowledge to provide efficient solutions to businesses of all sizes in our profession. His passion and desire for the development of the funeral and cemetery profession come through in everything that he does. Chris is often called upon by state, regional, and national associations to deliver presentations both in person at conferences and meetings as well a virtually through webinars and panels. Learning Lab: A Snapshot into Your Consumer: Attitudes and Behaviors that Define Your Future Business Model
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Kimberly DyerCertified EOS Implementer & Kolbe Certified ConsultantCultureShoc Kimberly has been a facilitator, speaker and coach drawing on her 25+ years of strategic planning. She has delivered keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, and sessions on the EOS tools for 6 years and is a Certified EOS Implementer. Learning Lab: Are You Running Your Business, or Is Your Business Running You?
| Donald B. Ferfolia, Jr., J.D., CFSPLicensed Funeral Director Vice President Ferfolia Funeral Home Don is a fourth-generation funeral director involved with his family’s funeral firm in the Southeast Cleveland area. In addition to being a funeral director he is an attorney who is a principal with the law firm of Donald B. Ferfolia, Jr., LTD, located in Brecksville, Ohio. The combination of law, funeral service, and family business experiences have provided Don with a unique skill set that enables him to assist clients in solving many different types of problems. He enjoys helping firms deal with the daily challenges of running a closely held business including regulatory compliance, proactively managing accounts receivable issues and succession planning. Learning Lab: I Want to Help, but I Don’t Know How…Providing a Dignified Funeral for Veterans and Those Without Families
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Sharon L. Gee-Mascarello, CFSP, MBIERetired Mortuary School ProfessorFuneral Director and EmbalmerFuneral Home Liaison, Gift of Life Michigan is primary author/editor of the latest edition of the renowned text, Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice, Sixth Edition (McGraw-Hill Education, 2022). She enters her 38th year as a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the State of Michigan. Gee-Mascarello retired in the position of clinical faculty in the Mortuary Science Program at Wayne State University, Detroit after 24 years as the Instructor of Embalming. At the onset of distance education, she created two instructional videos, “Introduction to Embalming” and “Introduction to Embalming Instruments”. Wayne State University named her Educator of the Year. The 100 Black Women of Funeral Service honored Gee-Mascarello as Mortuary Educator of the Year. Sharon is a member of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, British Institute of Embalmers, International Grief Institute, Michigan Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, and Ohio Embalmers Association. She is a frequent presenter on topics that reinforce the relevance of caring for, honoring, and viewing our dead. Sharon is proud to be a registered organ donor. She encourages Funeral Professionals and Organ Procurement Organizations to work together when families support donation. She is quick to highlight the critical role embalmers and funeral directors play in honoring donor heroes. Gift of Life Michigan recognized Sharon’s stewardship in the classroom, in the field, and in the revised chapter on donation in the new textbook. She was awarded the first-ever Champion Funeral Professional of the Year Award. In 2023, Sharon joined the team at Gift of Life as their Funeral Home Liaison. Embalming Track: Reverent Care, the Influence of Mindset and Best Practices
| Nick GrantDirector, MarketingeFuneral Solutions, LLC Nick Grant is a Director of Marketing for eFuneral Solutions, LLC. Prior to joining eFuneral in 2020, Nick spent a decade on the advertising agency side, leading global brands in the retail space as their director of account services. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Drake University, where he was also a captain of the men’s basketball team. Learning Lab: Meeting Your Families on Their Terms; Preneed in the New Era
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Antonio GreenFuneral Director and AuthorJames H. Cole Home for Funerals Antonio Green is a fourth-generation funeral director at his family's firm James H. Cole Home for Funerals. Antonio has been a licensed mortician for over 15 years. After receiving his bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University, Antonio decided to pursue his passion of helping others in their greatest time of need, and continue his family's legacy of funeral service, by attending the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. In 2021, Antonio took on the task of becoming a published author. His book Talk to Me -Understanding the Millennial Mindset was written to help people better understand the Millennial generation, specifically small business owners. Learning Lab: Bridging the Gap: Understanding the Millennial Worker & How They Can Improve Your Business
| Thomas B. Holland, II, CPCVice President National AccountsAtlantic Coast Life Insurance Company Tom Holland has been helping Preneed Counselors for over 20 years. He has held positions as Agent, Account Executive, Sales Manager, District Manager, Regional Training Director, and Regional Sales Director, Director of Conservation and Training Director-Field Development, Director Development and National Accounts, Vice President Sales/Marketing and currently Vice President National Accounts. Tom has his CPC (Certified Pre-Planning Consultant) designation through the National Foundation Funeral Service and National Funeral Directors Association and is a member of the NFDA development board. He has held Life and Health Insurance License in the following states: Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri and Illinois. His teaching experience includes a Life Underwriters Training Course Moderator. Tom has been approved as an instructor for numerous. continuing education classes in many states and all Canadian Provinces. He holds his DTM designation through Toastmasters International, his Certificate in Management through the American Management Association. He has taught and instructed classes in insurance sales, management development, pre license certification, ethics and marketing and sales development. Tom holds a Master's and Ph.D. Degrees in marketing. Tom spent five years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation before moving into the insurance. business. He has been married 44 years to his wife Gayle and they have a daughter, Ashley Lynette, Grandson Logan and Granddaughter Lillian. Tom enjoys bass fishing and classic automobiles and is active in the Christian Church. Learning Lab: Best Practices for Preneed Counselors
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Tyler HuberFirefighter/ParamedicFire and EMS Instructor, MPAOhio LAST Team Tyler's firefighting journey began in 2005 when he started as a volunteer, transitioning to full-time service in 2010. Since 2013, he has served as a fire and EMS instructor, boasting a rich educational background both as an instructor and a student. In 2023, he completed his master's in public administration. Tyler's involvement in numerous fire department funerals over the years led him to join the fire department honor guard in 2016, eventually assuming a commanding role. He has worked closely with funeral directors and is a member of Ohio's Local Assistance State Team (LAST), responding to firefighter line of duty deaths (LODD) in the state. Additionally, in 2014, he married the daughter of a funeral director, Gene Gompf, and his sons, whose experiences inspired aspects of this presentation. Learning Lab: Firefighter Funerals for Funeral Directors
| David A. Ingram, Esq.OFDA General Counsel The Ingram Firm David is a Columbus-based attorney practicing in a range of areas such as emerging businesses and non-profit and tax-exempt organizations. He draws on his experience as the previous executive director for the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors to serve OFDA and its membership. He enjoys the opportunity to assist funeral service entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses in navigating compliance, licensing, risk, and the unique challenges that they face each day. Learning Lab: The Back Room: Creating the Preneed Recovery Fund
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Bradwin JordanAuthor/Speaker Owner, Propel Growth Associates Brad Jordan is not just an experienced professional in Customer Service, Leadership, and Talent Acquisition, but also a dedicated family man, a passionate sports coach, and an enthusiastic community member. Brad has carved out a successful career in developing and executing strategies for a wide range of companies, from ambitious startups to prestigious Fortune 500 firms. His leadership style is collaborative and effective, thriving in fast-paced environments and driving towards growth and success. For over two decades Brad has been conducting presentations and workshops across the United States. His focus areas include Leadership, Talent Acquisition, and Service. Brad is impacting the lives of numerous individuals with his passion for education and personal development. Brad Jordan is more than a speaker; he is a testament to the power of balancing professional success with personal fulfillment and community service. Learn more at BradwinJordan.com. Keynote: Maximize Your Impact
| Melissa KeeferAdministrative ProfessionalState of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors Melissa Keefer joined the State of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors in April 2022 after serving more than 3 years with the State of Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Union County as a Workforce Case Manager. Melissa’s previous experience in government agency aided in a seamless transition to her new position administering the Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors’ Indigent Burial and Cremation Support Program. Since taking on the responsibilities of overseeing the board’s program, Melissa has worked diligently to timely process applications for reimbursement submitted by Ohio’s local government entities. In fact, in just two years on the job, Melissa has handled almost 2,000 applications resulting in more than one million dollars reimbursed. In review of those applications, several were identified to include funeral services for a deceased Veteran. This prompted a closer look at accompanied documents to learn if the decedent received benefits from the county or state as eligible. When necessary, Melissa communicated with the applicant to coordinate contact to an agency with appropriate jurisdiction. Always self-improving, Melissa not only regularly studies the OBEFD laws and rules, she builds on her knowledge of the state’s Veterans Services learned while working at ODJFS. Learning Lab: I Want to Help, but I Don’t Know How…Providing a Dignified Funeral for Veterans and Those Without Families
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Amanda Marie Eilis King, CFSP, MBITLicensed Funeral Director & Embalmer B.C. Bailey Funeral Home Frigid Fluid Company Amanda Marie Eilis King, CFSP, MBIT, is an Embalmer and Funeral Director holding licensure in multiple states. She completed her embalming apprenticeship under Vernie R. Fountain, as well as extensive training in postmortem reconstructive work. In addition to her AAS in Mortuary Science from ACC in Colorado, Amanda holds a B.S. from Skidmore College for Studio Art and Biology, and a Post- Baccalaureate degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Her approach to Funeral Service is from an artistic standpoint. She is also an educator who specializes in and teaches reconstructive work and cosmetic application. Her contributions in the field outside of the funeral home include articles, illustrations, and photography for trade journals. She also does freelance work as AMEK Graphics and is an embalming specialist with Frigid Fluid Company. Embalming Track: The Biology Behind Better Cosmetics
| Poul Lemasters, Esq.Founder and Principal,Lemasters ConsultingICCFA Cremation Counsel Poul Lemasters is a well-known presenter to the deathcare profession. He uses his unique background in both deathcare and law to provide resources and counsel to other deathcare professionals. He assists in risk management, daily operational conflicts, form and contract reviews, valuations, and regulatory matters. Poul advises several funeral home, crematory, cemetery, and trade associations across the United States including ICCFA, PLPA, CCC, and the NCBVA. He is also the author of Cover Your Ass – The ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Business. Preconvention Seminar: ICCFA Crematory Operator Certification
Keynote: The Modern Funeral Journey (It’s Not Just Cremation)
Learning Lab: "The Future of Disposition" - Just When You Thought You Knew What Cremation Was
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N. Lee LonginoPresident-ElectThe International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA) Longino serves as Senior Managing Director for the Major East Business Unit for SCI’s Major Markets which consists of 275 funeral homes and cemetery locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. As a second-generation funeral director and embalmer with 35-years of service in the deathcare profession, his teams serves approximately 40,000 families each year while overseeing approximately 2,000 associates. Longino holds a degree in business management from LeTourneau University, an MBA in accounting from The University of Texas at Dallas and is a graduate of the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. Longino has been an active member of the ICCFA for many years, including serving on the Board of Directors as the Vice President on the Internal Affairs and External Affairs, and as co-chair of the 2016 ICCFA Annual Convention & Exposition. He is also active in the FCCFA, serving as a Past-President, continuing to serve on the legislative committee, and was instrumental in the committee to merge the FFDA and FCFCA to create a unified association. Longino has passionately participated in fundraising projects for breast cancer research and for supporting candidacies across the state of Florida. General Session: National Update
| Madison MillerMiss Ohio 2023 Miss Ohio Scholarship Program Madison Miller is an alumna of Ohio Wesleyan University and currently a resident of Delaware, Ohio. Miller was raised in Coshocton, where her parents, Valerie & Matt Miller, operate Miller Funeral Home. She established her own nonprofit organization in 2019 called The Veteran Narrative through which she advocates for military veteran mental health awareness and fosters connections between veterans and younger generations. She enjoys traveling to senior retirement communities and playing piano for the residents, and she also volunteers regularly with the Honor Flight Network. Now serving as the official spokeswoman for the Miss Ohio program, Miller is also employed as a social media specialist for Stanley Steemer. Keynote: Indirect Impact
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Robbie MussonBusiness DevelopmentMemory Valley Music Robbie's strong work ethic began in their oilfield and utilities construction family business. The mid-80s crisis opened the opportunity for a move to the emerging field of environmental construction. With a focus on efficiency, safety, education, and environmental compliance, those components were essential to the success of each project. She then transitioned into the music industry understanding the importance of respect for creative intellectual property, educating for the protection of the public, and compliance with federal law. Musson is also a licensed Realtor in Arkansas, and has been an active member of the Bentonville, Arkansas, community since 1995, serving in multiple positions in the Bentonville Garden Club, P.E.O. (an international philanthropic organization where women celebrate the educational advancement of women), and Circle of Life Hospice Women's Auxiliary. Learning Lab: Music & Memories: Elevating the Family's Journey Through the Power of Music
| Eric NorthrupOwnerSCU Services Eric Northup comes from the nonprofit world in which he started multiple ministries for students with disabilities. Eric's previous position was a Campus Pastor at a local church in which he started and led for 4 years with an average attendance of 450. Eric did not grow up in the funeral industry, nor had he been around death much. This has enabled him to observe the business with a fresh set of eyes, and views his role at SCU as the Visionary, helping grow and scale the company with a focus on brand and culture. Eric cares deeply about the impact SCU makes in the lives of a grieving family. Believing firmly that NO one should clean up a loved one and seeking to go above and beyond each and every time. Eric and his business partner, Brandon Catchen, have led and completed over 400 cleans up with their experience combined. Learning Lab: Restoring Dignity: The Invaluable Role of Death and Trauma Cleanup Services
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Dr. Tyler J. O'Brien, Ed.D., CFSP, CCSPFuneral Director/Embalmer Freck Funeral Chapel Dr. Tyler J. O'Brien is an author, catechist, educator, and funeral director. He is licensed in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan. He is a member of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practitioners and is a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner. He is also a Certified Cremation Service Provider through the National Funeral Directors Association. Dr. O'Brien earned an Associate of Applied Sciences and a Bachelor of Mortuary Sciences from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He earned a Master of Arts in Theology from Lourdes University and later a Doctor of Education from the University of the Cumberlands. He is employed as a funeral director and embalmer serving the Toledo, OH community. Dr. O'Brien has served in various leadership roles and committees on Christian education and faith formation programs within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit, is the Director of Religious Education at the parish level, and a member of the National Catholic Bioethics Center. Learning Lab: Ethics, Attrition, and Retention in Funeral Service
Mortuary Student Forum | John O'LearyNational Bestselling Author & Speaker John O’Leary Live Inspired In 1987, John O’Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, John created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body. He was given less than a 1% chance to live. This epic story of survival (first showcased in 2008 with his parents’ acclaimed book Overwhelming Odds) has never felt more relevant than as we live through the COVID-19 pandemic together. Today, John is the author of the #1 National Bestselling books ON FIRE and IN AWE. The latter released in May 2020 with many saying it is the message we all need right now. John is the host of the top-rated Live Inspired Podcast and a live and virtual event speaker teaching more than 50,000 people around the world each year how to live inspired. Consistently described as “the best speaker we’ve ever had” John’s emotional storytelling, unexpected humor and authenticity make each presentation unforgettable. John’s genuine, collaborative approach to partnering allowed him to understand early that clients’ biggest pain point in the wake of the fallout from the pandemic is team “burnout.” To address this, John expanded his Live Inspired Coaching program to bring his keynote from inspirational to transformational. Early successes in the program have clients saying their teams are more focused, collaborative and engaged than ever. John considers his greatest success to be his marriage to his wife Beth, their four children and his relationships with friends and family. Learn more at johnolearyinspires.com Keynote: Embrace Your Thoughts, Elevate Your Life
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Kenn Peterson, MS, MBAVP, Business and Lending Development, National Guardian Life Insurance CompanyCertified CelebrantTrustee, Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science With over 37 years of experience helping four national preneed companies each attain annual record revenue with a combined annual sales of almost $2 billion, Kenn uses his passion for helping others and growth mindset to lead teams, solve problems, and help funeral service professionals make a difference in the lives of the families they serve. Kenn earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, Master of Science Degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and Master of Business Administration from the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. He is a certified Celebrant, Life Tribute Professional, serves as a board member on the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science Board of Trustees, and is a past recipient of the Daniel A. Hillenbrand Award. Kenn knows Preneed is a solution that helps make the worst day of a family’s life a little easier. Knowing something that can help those you care about and figuring out the best way to tell them is what motivates him to learn and grow every day. Preconvention Insurance Seminar: The Business of Preneed
| Todd ReinholtLicensed Funeral DirectorFuneral CelebrantGrief Recovery SpecialistLife Celebrants International Todd is an experienced and respected licensed funeral director, funeral celebrant, and grief recovery specialist. With over a decade of experience and service to over 1,800 families, he is an expert in providing comfort during that most challenging of times - the loss of a loved one. His passion for the profession goes beyond his work as a funeral director and funeral celebrant, as he is also the founder of Life Celebrants International, an organization dedicated to training and certifying funeral celebrants across North America. Todd is also a professional speaker and educator, giving presentations at conferences and events about the funeral service profession. His presentations focus on maintaining a relevant future for funeral service and are geared towards all funeral service professionals, owners, association staff and boards of governance. Learning Lab: Creating Ambience - Our Unspoken Messages to Families and Guests
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Jenn SchlosserOwner and OperatorSchlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services Jenn Schlosser along with her husband Brian, are licensed funeral directors and embalmers, and proud owners and operation of the Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Wapakoneta. Jenn is the current Northwest Regional Director of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and is the co-chair of the OFDA Young Funeral Directors Committee. Jenn represents OFDA at various mortuary school job fairs and presentations and is dedicated to serving her community. General Session: Best Practices in Recruitment & Retention
| Mitch SmithAVP, Partnership DevelopmenteFuneral Solutions, LLC Mitch Smith is Director of Partnership Development for eFuneral Solutions, LLC. Prior to joining eFuneral, Mitch spent a decade in financial services and marketing. He has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Iowa State University and an MBA from Bellevue University. Learning Lab: Meeting Your Families on Their Terms; Preneed in the New Era
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Larry Stuart, Jr.Founder and PrincipalRaven Plume Consulting With a mission to Change the Way People Think About Funeral Service, Larry has developed a more relevant and effective approach to marketing funeral service to the public, written cremation training curricula and funeral service standard operating best practices, spoken at numerous professional events, and trained and certified thousands of cremation professionals across North America with the ambition to advance the safety and efficiency of their facilities, the safety of their employees and to foster a more positive impact our community and our environment.
Larry is the former owner of Crematory Manufacturing & Service, a leading manufacturer of advanced cremation equipment, a former member of the Board of Directors of CANA, editor-in-chief of The Cremationist magazine published by CANA, and is a Cremation Coach for the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association.
Preconvention Seminar: ICCFA Crematory Operator Certification
Keynote: The Modern Funeral Journey (It’s Not Just Cremation)
Learning Lab: Options for Growth: Navigating the Process of Expanding Your Funeral Service Business by Adding a Crematory
| Brad R. Walker, MBA, CFSP, CCO, CPC2022 – 2024 At-Large RepresentativeNational Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Brad Walker is a 2022-2024 at-large representative on the NFDA Board of Directors and is a third-generation funeral director. He co-owns and operates Walker Funeral Homes in Spanish Fork and Payson, Utah. Brad has been an active volunteer leader with his state and national associations. His service to The Utah Funeral Directors Association (UFDA) includes serving as a District Representative, Secretary-Treasurer, Vice President, President-Elect, and President of the Association's Board of Directors. He also served as chair of the Utah Funeral Directors Association (UFDA) Legislative Committee and is proud of the work he was able to do. He has also served at the national level serving as a member of NFDA's Budget Task Force. Audit Task Force, Spokesperson Team. Brad has also tried to give back through educating others and has taught at the Salt Lake Community College Mortuary Science Program as an adjunct professor and is a regular guest lecturer at Brigham Young University. General Session: National Update
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Jarrod WilliamsExecutive DirectorState of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors Jarrod Williams is the executive director of the State of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. Mr. Williams was appointed to the role in October 2023 to serve as the board’s chief administrative officer. He is committed to supporting and promoting the board’s Mission Statement and to carrying out the organization’s policies, programs, and initiatives. Prior to being selected to the lead position, Jarrod was filled in as the interim executive director of the board upon the retirement of its former director, Cheryl Grossman, in April 2023. Jarrod has more than eleven years of employment with the board. He began as an administrative assistant coordinating the board’s operations, providing support services to the executive director and office staff performing routine and non-routine clerical duties when needed or as assigned. Duties included research, preparation of reports and communications, and general business functions. As his knowledge of agency policies and procedures and general government structure and process grew, Jarrod was promoted to oversee general office management. This experience brought about guardianship of the board’s assets, financials, meetings, procurement, records, and more. Because of his adaptability and acceptance of new tasks, regulatory compliance would soon follow. Management of consumer complaints, compliance cases, hearings and all related matters came to be under his supervision. Familiarity with the board’s laws and rules was essential. Over time, the varied duties and responsibilities entrusted to Jarrod have contributed to his skills and experience, judgment and decision making, and rounded success in his career with the board. Licensure and regulation of the state’s funeral service profession had never crossed Jarrod’s mind before applying for and accepting that administrative assistant position. Although his job resume included administrative and managerial skills in office and production environments that could transfer, he had little idea what experiences were ahead. General Session: Elevating Skills, Impacting Futures: The Master-Apprentice Relationship
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