with whom I have worked and the industry professionals I have come to know have become part of my community. It has been an honor to work with and alongside each of you. When I stepped into this role, I knew I was joining a group with a strong history and a bright future. What I did not anticipate was just how rewarding it would be to witness your commitment to our mission and to help support the meaningful work you do every day. From our annual meetings and professional development initiatives to our advocacy efforts and local outreach, I have been continually inspired by the energy and innovation MFDA’s members and associate members bring to the table. Leading this association has not only been a professional privilege — it has been a personal joy. I have learned from so many of you, celebrated our collective wins and faced challenges with the confidence that comes from being part of a strong, values-driven community. Thank you for your trust, your collaboration and your belief, so many years ago, that I could successfully lead the Association. Serving as your executive director has been one of the greatest honors of my career. In the meantime, I will be helping Terri transition into her new role and will be providing her support at the upcoming 2025 convention and tradeshow. I hope to see you in Billings in June. And, in keeping with the Grateful Dead theme, “just keep truckin’ on.” On the federal level, MFDA has strengthened its partnership with the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) in order to push policy through Congress that benefit veterans and their families. Plus, the Association has weighed in on behalf of Montana’s funeral industry on harmful efforts by the FTC to revise the funeral rule and by the EPA to revise its risk evaluation process for formaldehyde. What’s more, MFDA has been the voice and champion of Montana’s funeral providers on other federal and state regulatory matters over the years. Perhaps the most rewarding accomplishment of my tenure is that serving in this position has brought me so many new friends and Montana colleagues. Truly, the board members Directors Digest | 7
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