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NFDA Staff

NFDA Staff
Home About NFDA NFDA Staff

NFDA Staff

Edward J Defort

Christine Pepper, CAE - Chief Executive Officer

Responsible for all facets of the Association’s operations. Works with the President to set agendas for meetings, priorities for recommendations, and ensures compliance with Board decisions.

262-789-1880
800-228-6332 Toll-Free


NFDA Staff Group Photo
Click on the department name below to view staff photos and responsibilities.

Administration
Patti King, SHRM-CP, Human Resources Manager
Marissa Sarson, Executive Assistant


Advocacy
Lesley Witter, MPA, CAE, Senior Vice President, Advocacy


Business Development
Anthony Kaniuk, Director - Industry Relations
Lorri Wagner, Director - Business Development
Christina Von Den Bergh, Business Development Project Coordinator


Communications
Gail Marquardt, Vice President, Consumer Engagement
Jessica Koth, Director of Public Relations
Scott High, Art Director
Deana Gillespie, Research Manager
Rachel Maybird, Marketing Manager
Gabe Schauf, Marketing Specialist


Cremation Services
Mike Nicodemus, Vice President, Cremation Services


Education/Meetings
Patty Neuswanger, Vice President Education & Meetings
Kristi Klemens, Director, Convention, Events and Meetings
Heather Schrader, Meetings Manager
Carmella Hansen, Director, Education
Sara Moss, Associate Director, Education
Melissa Loose, Training and Development Manager
Marissa Keller, Education Program Manager
Jacklyn Ellis, Education Coordinator


Finance
Todd Etheridge, CPA, Controller
Julie Bernard, Accounts Payable/Resource Manager
Carol Jo Shonka, Mailroom Coordinator


Information Technology
Bradley Roark, Information Technology Administrator
Matthew Roell, Systems Engineer


Legal
Chris Farmer, General Counsel


Member Relations
Anna Bernfeld, Senior Vice President
Kathryn Pratscher, Director of State Relations
Kim Klotz, Senior Business Systems Analyst
Debra Zauner, Team Lead-Member Services
Martha Fuhr, Member Services Representative
Javier Roque, Bi-lingual Member Services Representative
Morgan Schlender, Account Executive, Endorsed Programs & Membership
Wanda Sheber, Member Services Assistant


Publications
Edward J Defort, Publisher & Editorial Director
Dawn M. Behr, Managing Editor
Brooke Krishok, Art Director


Funeral Service Foundation
Kelly Manion, Director of Community Engagement

NFDA Staff
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NFDA Mission Statement

The National Funeral Directors Association is the world’s leading, largest and most trusted association to support funeral professionals. We provide our members with critical information, innovative tools, resources and the professional community they need to serve families, run sustainable businesses and become pillars in their communities.

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