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National Emerging Leaders Program

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About the Program

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NFDA's National Emerging Leaders Program has been designed to give talented people the tools, support and opportunities they need to succeed. The goal of the program is to attract, develop and retain transformational leaders.

Participants from across the nation meet virtually seven times throughout the year and twice in person: at a retreat in June of 2025 to kick-off the program and at the NFDA Leadership Conference in 2026. Participants have the opportunity to network and engage with leaders inside and outside of the funeral service profession to sharpen their skills.

NFDA’s National Emerging Leaders Program features a practical and theoretical approach to advanced leadership topics, including:

  • Mentorship
  • Ethical leadership
  • Employee relations
  • Collaborative decision-making
  • Strategic planning
  • Servant leadership
  • Communication skills
  • Small business ownership

The National Emerging Leaders Program presented by NFDA has been a transformative experience, both professionally and personally. Through the program's sessions and conferences, I gained invaluable knowledge and forged lasting relationships with fellow funeral professionals. I highly recommend this program to any young funeral director seeking to enhance their skills and expand their industry expertise.

N. Eddie Richardson
Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home
Connersville, IN

 

Submission Cycle

  • February 17-April 15, 2025
  • Selected participants will be notified by the end of April.

Eligibility

  • Open to NFDA members and non-members.
  • Open to all early-career funeral professionals, licensed in the United States or Canada.
    • First-career funeral directors licensed at least 3 years.
    • Second-career funeral directors licensed at least 1 years.
  • Full-time funeral home employment required.

Submission Requirements

Essay Questions

  • Each candidate is required to answer all questions in no more than 250 words per question. 

Video

  • Each candidate is required to submit a brief video, no longer than two minutes.

Terms & Guidelines 

  • Online submissions only.
  • Twenty participants will be selected for the 2025-2026 program.

This year-long program for 20 select individuals will begin with a retreat at the NFDA Headquarters June 22 - 24, 2025, and end at the NFDA Leadership Conference in the summer of 2026.

  • Participants will also meet virtually approximately seven times throughout the year to learn from experts, both from within the profession and outside authorities. Participants must attend all virtual sessions.
  • The National Emerging Leadership Program requires an investment of $1,500 that includes:
    • Retreat fees and the 2026 NFDA Leadership Conference.
    • Approximately seven virtual sessions led by quality speakers and facilitator.
    • Printed educational materials.
    • CE hours.
    • High-level networking with leaders in the funeral profession.
    • And more
  • Participants will receive a travel reimbursement of up to $500 each for both the 2025 retreat and 2026 Leadership Conference to help offset the costs of airfare, hotel and meals.
  • Alternates may be selected in the event that a selected participant decides not to accept the program award.
  • NFDA and the Funeral Service Foundation will only confirm receipt of completed applications and reserve the right to eliminate from consideration unsigned or incomplete applications without further notice to the applicant.
  • Serious protracted illness or injury that would delay participation in the program may be considered reason for holding an award in reserve.
  • Time limits and other restrictions may be set by NFDA's Board of Directors. Other leaves of absence will be considered on an individual basis.
  • All award decisions of NFDA are final.

“The National Emerging Leaders Program is a fantastic program for encouraging rising stars! We had sent two of our ‘young lions’ to the National Emerging Leaders Program. Both LOVED the program. They are more confident leaders, asserting themselves more, have a network of friends across funeral service, and have become active in NFDA. Most especially they have become raving fans of our company and are helping me recruit others to join our team! I highly recommend the National Emerging Leaders Program to other owners who want to invest in their people and deepen their team.”

Jeff Smith, CEO, Smith Family Funeral Homes, North Little Rock, AR

Hear it from program participants!

“When given the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural class, I was not prepared for the level of camaraderie and education that the year brought me. Having an opportunity to connect monthly with like-minded professionals who genuinely understand your day-to-day life.”

Jane Pigott
MacKinnon and Bowes Ltd

“Leadership is a journey, not a destination. My participation in NELP has allowed me to gain confidence in my abilities as a leader, learn from others and strive to continue to grow."

Ebonē Dukes
Northwest Mississippi Community College

"The NELP program promotes the collaboration of like-minded funeral directors who desire to make a difference in a leadership role. The camaraderie, problem-solving and teaching initiatives allows the synergy of our profession to strengthen at a national level."

Victoria Martin
Spadaccino & Leo P. Gallagher Community

Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support of this program.

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