On December 8, 2023, Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust announced the appointment of Stefanie Favia as its executive director. She has served as senior director of development for the trust since October 2021 and has guided the organization through a period of positive growth and development.

During her 10-year history with Selected Independent Funeral Homes and its trust, Favia has served in a number of managerial and support capacities. In her new role, she will direct all aspects of the trust’s outreach, events and activities. She will also continue to work closely with the board of trustees for the advancement of the trust’s mission. selectedtrust.org

Selected Independent Funeral Homesis holding its 2024 NextGen Seminar in the Bahamas January 28-February 1. This year’s event feature two sessions. John Meyer, vice president of information technology at Flanner Buchanan, provides insights and recommendations based on his experiences in funeral service, as well as in the general tech industry. Next, a speaker from the Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center will share how the brand principles that set the company’s hotels apart can be applied to foster a culture of personalized service and genuine care.

The “Next Practices Exchange” session is facilitated by NextGen co-chairs Allison Lee of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner, North Carolina, and William Haben of Haben Funeral Home & Crematory, Skokie, Illinois.

Finally, the association is bestowing its 2024 NextGen Professional of the Year Award, which highlights career achievements, community and organization involvement, and awards/achievements of funeral professionals under age 50. selectedfuneralhomes.org