Below is information about the declared candidates for positions on the NFDA Executive Board.

Two At-large representatives will be elected by the NFDA Policy Board during their meeting at the 2010 NFDA Leadership Conference, July 11-14, at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort, Cambridge, MD . At-large Representatives serve two-year terms on the Executive Board.

The positions of Secretary, Treasurer and President-elect will be elected by the NFDA House of Delegates during their meeting at the 2010 NFDA International Convention & Expo, October 10-13, in New Orleans, LA.

The current President-elect, Patrick E. Lynch, will be installed as the 2010 NFDA President during the 2010 NFDA International Convention & Expo.

 

Declared Candidates

• 2010-12 NFDA At-large Representative
  • Bob Arrington
  • Steven W. Getz, CFSP
  • Robert C. Moore IV, CFSP
• 2010 NFDA President Elect
  • Randall L. Earl, CFSP
• 2010 NFDA Treasurer
  • Robert T. "Bob" Rosson Jr., CFSP, CPC
• 2010 NFDA Secretary
  • Robert L. "Robby" Bates

 

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Candidate 2010-12 NFDA At-large Representative
Bob Arrington
Arrington Funeral Directors, Jackson, TN

National Experience

• NFDA Policy Board Representative for Tennessee, 2007-2010
• Member, NFDA Governance Work Group, 2008-2009
• Chairman, NFDA Governance Work Group, 2010
• Tennessee Fundraising Chairman, Funeral Service Foundation
• Member, Heritage Club
• Participant in NFDA national Conventions, Leadership Conferences, Advocacy Summits
• NFDA PAC participant

State Experience

• Served on numerous Tennessee Funeral Directors Association committees
• Tennessee Funeral Directors Association Board of Directors, 2000-2003
• Tennessee Funeral Directors Association Secretary/Treasurer, 2007
• Tennessee Funeral Directors Association Vice President, 2008
• Tennessee Funeral Directors Association President, 2009
• Tennessee Funeral Directors Association Past President, 2010
• Member, Tennessee State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, 2002-2005
• President, Tennessee State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, 2005

Professional Experience

• Licensed funeral director since 1978
• Licensed embalmer since 1979

Bob began his funeral service career at the age of seven-years-old at Bodkin Funeral Home in Milan, TN. He became intrigued and interested in funeral service when his grandfather died in 1963. His neighbor owned the funeral home and Bob would leave school every afternoon and go to the funeral home and ride home with the neighbor. Weekends were spent at the funeral home.

Bob's family moved to Jackson in 1970. He immediately went to work at George A. Smith & Sons funeral home in Jackson. He finished mortuary school in 1979.

He founded Arrington Funeral Directors in 1995 in Jackson, TN. In 1996, he started Corporate Funeral Providers to develop, in conjunction with Homesteaders Life Company, the only payroll deduction funeral funding product on the market. In 1997, a crematory was added; in 2003, two cemeteries were purchased; and in 2006, Covington Funeral Home and Magnolia Gardens were added.

He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Funeral Director Association in 2000; he was appointed to the Tennessee State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers in 2002, and served as State Board President in 2005. He was elected President of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association in June 2008. He is currently serving as the Tennessee State Honor Fund Leader for the Funeral Service Foundation. He has served on the NFDA Operations Committee - Governance Work Group for two years and is currently serving as chairman; he is Tennessee's representative to the Policy Board. 

Candidate Statement

The reason I am seeking the at-large position on the NFDA Executive Board is to be involved at a higher level and for a longer period of time. I want to continue to contribute to the profession that has been so much a part of my life. I know it is said many times, but I truly want to make a contribution, in some small way, to the betterment of NFDA. This would allow me that opportunity.

It would be an honor to serve with such a highly respectful group of leaders.

Serving with the Executive Board and NFDA leadership allows me the opportunity to be with colleagues that can influence me and make me a better funeral professional. It becomes a win/win relationship. I feel I can contribute to NFDA and its membership, and NFDA will be able to contribute more to me.

 

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Candidate 2010-12 NFDA At-large Representative
Steven W. Getz, CFSP
Getz Funeral Home, Las Cruces, NM

National Experience

• Member of NFDA
• New Mexico NFDA Policy Board Representative
• Current or past NFDA Committee member:
  • Member Resources Advisory Group, 2 years
  • Multicultural Membership Advisory Group, 2 years
  • Disaster Preparedness Task Force, 2 years
  • Member of Policy Board task force
• Member of the Heritage Club
• Regular participant in national conventions, Leadership Conference, Advocacy Summit
• NFDA Convention Volunteer

State Experience

• Member of the New Mexico Funeral Service Association (NMFSA)
  • Director
  • Secretary/Treasurer
  • Vice President
  • President/State Executive Director
  • New Mexico Funeral Director of the Year
  • Immediate Past President Council
  • Executive Directors Review Committee
  • Audit Committee
  • Convention Committee
  • Disaster Emergency Preparedness Committee
  • Golf Committee
  • Nomination Committee
  • Constitution and By-Laws Committee
• New Mexico PAC representative
• New Mexico Vital Records Electronic Death Certificate Steering/Project Committee

Professional Experience

• Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP)
• Attended New Mexico State University
• Graduate of Dallas Institute of Funeral Service
• Licensed New Mexico Funeral Service Practitioner
• Served apprenticeships in Las Cruces, NM with Getz Funeral Home and Phoenix, Awith Hanson Mortuaries
• Employed by Getz Funeral Home in Las Cruces, NM
• Firm Manager
• Second generation Funeral Director
• Member of many funeral service organizations; National Funeral Directors Association, New Mexico Funeral Service Association, Academy of Funeral Service Professionals, Select Independent Funeral Homes, Order of the Golden Rule, Cremation Association of North America, International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association, International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories

Candidate Statement

The decision to commit to running for the NFDA At-large position was one that I have thought about very hard. I have never questioned if I wanted to move forward in NFDA to a higher leadership role. I wanted to make sure that my commitment was a strong one. Just as all the candidates before me, my thoughts laid heavily on my family, business and employees. Without their support I could not pursue the leadership role that I seek with NFDA.

I am fortunate to have grown up in a strong, highly ethical funeral home that taught me the value of being a Funeral Director. This led to me being surrounded by leaders and mentors throughout the State, Nation and NFDA.

One of the main functions of a NFDA At-Large Representative is to be the Executive Board's liaison with Policy Board members. I believe this is one of the most important parts of NFDA's governance. This position is the one that truly informs the Executive Board of all the States issues. To do this an At-Large Representative must be able to listen, understand, and communicate the States issues to the Executive Board and also do the same from the Executive Board to the Policy Board. I strongly believe that I have these leadership qualities, and would be fortunate to be the next line of communication as an At-Large Representative.

It would be an honor to serve in the position of the NFDA At-Large Representative 2010-2012. Thank you for your consideration of me for this position.

 

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Candidate 2010-12 NFDA At-large Representative
Robert C. Moore, IV, CFSP
Moore's Home for Funerals, Wayne, NJ

National Experience

• Current New Jersey Policy Board Representative
• Past New Jersey Interim Policy Board Representative
• Current Member of NFDA Spokesperson Team
• Current Member of NFDA Member Resources Advisory Group
• Current Member of NFDA Task Force for Policy Board Study
• Past Member of NFDA Multicultural Membership Advisory Group
• Past Member of NFDA Public Relations Subcommittee
• Past Member of NFDA Website Resource Group
• NFDA Convention Volunteer

State Experience

• Current member of the Knowledge-Based Funeral Service Development Alliance
• Held the offices of President, Immediate Past President, President-Elect, First Vice President and Second Vice President
• Past President and Board Member of For Profit Servcie Corporation
• Past President and Board Member of Non-Profit Education Corporation
• Past Presidents' Council
• Executive Director's Review Committee
• Executive Director's Contract Committee
• Budget & Finance Committee
• Audit Committee
• Convention Committee
• Allied Memorial Council
• Constitution & Bylaws Committee
• Sate Funeral Board Nominating Committee
• Legislative & Law Committee
• PAC Committee
• Resolution Committee
• Cemetery Board Monitoring Committee
• Board of Directors Member while Passaic County FDA District President
• Current Chairman of Passaic County FDA Constitution & Bylaws Committee

Professional Experience

• Attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ
• 1979 graduate of the American Academy McAllister Insititute of Funeral Service, Inc., New York, NY
• Employed at Moore's Home for Funerals in Wayne, NJ since 1979 as a fourth-generation family member of firm
• Licensed in 1982 as a funeral director/embalmer in NJ
• Certified in 1987 as an Eye Enucleation Technician for the Eye Bank Foundation of NJ
• Received CFSP designation in 1986
• Obtained limited PA funeral director license in 2003
• Became Manager of firm in 2004
• Became Co-owner of firm in 2006

Candidate Statement

My decision to run as a candidate for one of NFDA's At-large Representative positions on the Executive Board has been a thoughtful one. Over the years, I have been encouraged to do this by many friends and colleagues, and have considered this opportunity to serve our national association many times. I have always weighed the impact that such a decision would have on my family and our business, but at the same time, knew that my desire to continue on as a leader of our association was a strong one.

The ambition to participate in funreal service associations, and the value of that participation to its members and the families they serve, runs deep in my family. Four of my family members, from three of its four generations, have demonstrated this as president of the New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association. One has also previously served as an NFDA Policy Board Member and At-large Representative. I have seen and learned firsthand the dedication and commitment necessary to do these jobs as our member deserve them to be done.

I'm now seeking this board position because I believe I can bring forward the professionalism, dedication, commitment and experience needed to represent you well on the Executive Board. I believe that my ability to communicate, listen and work with people will be an asset to our board and its decision-making process.

I look forward to this challenge and our futures together in NFDA. Thank you for considering your support.

 

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Candidate 2010 NFDA President-elect
Randall L. Earl, CFSP
Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Homes, Decatur, IL

National Experience

• National Funeral Directors Association:
  • Current service
    • NFDA Treasurer
    • Budget Committee
    • Operations Committee
    • Policy Board
  • Past Service
    • NFDA Secretary
    • Communications Committee
  • Participant in Futures Forum
• International Order of the Golden Rule
  • Past Service
    • President
    • Vice President
    • Secretary
    • Treasurer
  • Current Service
    • Long-range Planning Committee

State Experience

• Illinois Funeral Directors Association
  • President
  • Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Advisory Board
  • Technology Committee
• Board Chairman, Funeral Service Credit Union

Professional Experience

• Kentucky School of Mortuary Science, Louisville, 1964
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale, bachelors of science in business, 1963
• Vice President and Owner, Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes, Decatur, Illinois, 1983-present
• Certified Funeral Service Professional (CFSP)
• Licensed funeral director for more than 40 years
• Recognized nationwide as an expert source on the funeral profession; featured in such publications as Time magazine, USA Today, and Ladies' Home Journal, as well as a variety of newspapers and trade publications
• Testified on behalf of the funeral profession before a U.S. Senate OSHA ergonomics compliance hearing and before the Federal Trade Commission

Candidate Statement

I know you share my passion and belief that taking a stronger leadership role contributes more to our profession than mere talk. That conviction is why, after discussions with NFDA and IFDA colleagues and leaders, my business partner, family and friends, I've decided to seek election as President-elect of NFDA.

It's a time of unprecedented changed, competition and challenges for the profession. It's a time of never-before-seen competition, both in the conventional business sense and in the attitudes of unchurched individuals and negative, lackadaisical consumers. And it's the time for all of us – funeral directors large and small – to take a more progressive, aggressive approach, seeking new and truly innovative solutions.

With more than 40 years of experience with funerals, death and dying, this need for profitability and progress, even as we fulfill our ultimate goal of service, is something I'm keenly aware of. I offer the unique perspective of an advocate who has testified before the U,.S. Senate and the Federal Trade Commission, and has intimate knowledge of current and past legislation. And my voice is that of a leader, who has held numerous offices with state, regional and national funeral organizations.

I'd like to put my voice behind the NFDA and the funeral profession, and I believe that serving as President-elect offers an excellent opportunity to devote my time, expertise and experience to the future.

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Candidate 2010 NFDA Treasurer
Robert T. "Bob" Rosson Jr., CFSP, CPC
Waller Funeral Home, Oxford, MS

National Experience

• NFDA member since 1984
• Mississippi Policy Board Member
• NFDA At-large Representative
• NFDA Secretary of the Board of Directors
• Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP)
• CFSP Ambassador
• Certified Preplanning Consultant (CPC)
• NFDA Futures Forum Participant
• Member of the Heritage Club
• NFDA PAC Contributor
• NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Recipient Seven Times
• NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Golden Eagle Award
• NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Best of the Best
• NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Convention Speaker
• Member of the NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Committee
• Member of the NFDA Communications Committee
• Member of the NFDA Spokesperson Committee
• Member of the NFDA Operations Committee
• Member of the NFDA Operation Budget Work Group
• Member of the NFDA Operation Governance Work Group
• Member of the NFDA Operations Audit Work Group
• Member of the NFDA Pre-need Assessment Work Group
• Member of the NFDA Environmental Work Group
• Member of the NFDA Consumer Campaign Work Group
• Member of the NFDA For a Life Worth Celebrating Committee
• Member of the NFDA American Cancer Society Committee
• Member of the NFDA Professional Development Committee
• Executive Board Liaison to the NFDA Disaster Preparedness Work Group
• WWII Memorial Fundraiser Participant
• Funeral Service Foundation Hand in Hand Waller Funeral Home Endowment
• Funeral Service Foundation Hand in Hand Golf Participant

State Experience

• District Governor of the Mississippi Funeral Directors Association
• Secretary/Treasurer of the Mississippi FDA
• Second Vice President of the Mississippi FDA
• First Vice President of the Mississippi FDA
• President-elect of the Mississippi FDA
• President of the Mississippi FDA
• Past President of the Mississippi FDA
• Chairman of the Tri-state Mississippi FDA, Arkansas FDA and Louisiana FDA Convention
• Mississippi FDA Chairman of the Education Committee
• Mississippi FDA Chairman of the Membership Committee
• Mississippi FDA Chairman of the By-laws Committee
• Mississippi FDA Chairman of the Legislative Committee
• Mississippi FDA Chairman of the Insurance Committee
• Mississippi Funeral Director of the Year
• Former Chairman of the Mississippi FDA Trust
• Board Member of the Mississippi FDA Trust

Professional Experience

• Education
  • Attended the University of Mississippi, 1974-1976
  • Northwest Mississippi Junior College
  • Degree in Mortuary Science, 1985
• Credentials
  • Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice
  • Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP)
  • NFDA Certified Preplanning Consultant (CPC)
• Professional Associations
  • Mississippi Funeral Directors Association
  • National Funeral Directors Association
  • Selected Independent Funeral Homes
• Oxford University United Methodist Church
  • Administrative Board Member
  • Chairman of the Finance Committee
  • Chairman of the Staff Parish Relations Committee
  • Nominations Committee
  • Danny Phillips Men's Bible Study Group
• Eagle Scout
• Lafayette County Sheriff Deputy
  • Reserve Deputy
• Oxford Lions Club
  • Former President
• Mechanics Bank
  • Secretary and Board Member of the Board of Directors
• Oxford Rotary Club

Candidate Statement

It is with great excitement I announce my candidacy for Treasurer of the National Funeral Directors Association. You have set the bar high for strong leadership on the Executive Board. Leadership in the funeral industry starts in your hometown, in your funeral home and continues to build within our state and national associations. When visiting many state association I have seen this great leadership working for the future of funeral service. It is my desire to continue to be a part of that leadership team by serving as Treasurer on the Executive Board.

We are experiencing unprecedented challenges in our profession and with the ever-changing face of funeral service, it is my desire to help shape and mold the future. Continuing education, pursuing excellence, and high ethical standards are the principles for which I stand.

The past and present leaders of the National Funeral Directors Association have worked tirelessly to make our association the most respected advocate for funeral service on our nation and the world. Thank you for the opportunity of serving as Secretary of NFDA. I have learned so much working in this capacity and I would welcome the opportunity to become Treasurer of the NFDA Executive Board. I have the experience, desire and commitment to work for the membership of NFDA. If elected Treasurer, I will recognize and respect the awesome responsibility of this office. I ask for and thank you for your support of my candidacy for NFDA Treasurer

 

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Candidate 2010 NFDA Secretary
Robert L. "Robby" Bates
Bates Family Funeral Home, DeKalb, TX

National Experience

• Member of the Policy Board, 2004-2008
• At-large Representative, Executive Board, 2008-2010
• Inaugural Member, Professional Conduct Committee
• Member, Service of Remembrance Committee, 2009
• Member, Operations Committee
• Member, Budget Committee
• Member, Spokesperson Team
• Member, Audit Committee
• NFDA PAC Participant
• Participant, Wreaths Across America Program
• Regular participant in national conventions, Leadership Conference and Advocacy Summit

State Experience (Texas Funeral Directors Association)

• President, Texas Funeral Directors Association
• Vice President, Texas Funeral Directors Association
• President-elect, Texas Funeral Directors Association
• Secretary/Treasurer, Texas Funeral Directors Association
• Chairman Texas Funeral Directors Association PAC
• Member, Texas Services, Inc.
• Member, Nominations Committee
• Member, By-laws Committee
• Member, Resolutions Committee
• Member, Convention Site Selection Committee
• Member, Budget Committee
• Member, Building/Property Committee
• Member, Staff/Salary Committee
• Member, Ethics Committee
• Member, Long-range Planning Committee
• Speaking engagements

Professional Experience

• Certified Funeral Service Professional
• Received an M.B.A., Texas A&M University, 1982
• Received a B.S. in Political Science and General Business, Stephen F. Austin State University, 1970
• Graduated Class Valedictorian, Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science, 1974
• Received Pi Sigma Eta Mortuary Honor Fraternity
• Co-recipient of the Bill Pierce Funeral Service Award
• U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran, Chaplain's Assistant and recipient of the Bronze Star
• Received Texas funeral directors and embalmers License in 1974
• Commencement speaker to mortuary colleges, including Dallas Insititute of Funeral Service and Southern University
• Owner and Manager of Bates-Rolf Funeral Homes, 1973-1995
• Manager of Bates-Rolf Funeral Homes, 1995-2004
• Owner and Manager of Bates Family Funeral Home, current
• Funeral Director of the Year, East Texas Funeral Directors, 2006

Candidate Statement

In towns and communities across our great nation, dedicated, caring individuals step up to serve their fellow citizens above one's daily job or professional duties. Today, as in the past, funeral directors have been among this special group entrusted by local citizens to serve in positions of city government, school administrations, and civic and religious responsibilities. We are complimented by our fellow community member as they consider choosing us to serve them in their varied positions – because they trust us. Even though trust is a basic foundation of our nation and people, trust is being questioned in our society on the local, state and national levels in business, government, education, and association entities. Americans are desiring that our society get back "to basics" and "ethics." In our profession of funeral service, we deal with basic of trust and ethical practices every day. I am proud that NFDA has continued to stress basics and continually exert special efforts to enhance the professionalism of its members and advocate high ethical standards as we provide meaningful service to families. As members and leader of NFDA, we must continue to keep an eye on the basics of trust and ethics while ever looking forward to what society deems is important to them and how they expect us to serve them

I have the desire and willingness to be an integral influence in the continuance and improvement of NFDA's mission. Serving with the NFDA Executive Board as Secretary will allow me the opportunity to serve our great profession and fellow funeral service professionals with dedication, commitment, trust and ethical character.

 

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