The Virginia Morticians’ Associationrecently elected its executive officers for 2021-23. Michael L. Hamlar will serve as president. An experienced funeral director and business leader, Hamlar ­succeeded Chavela D. Painter and assumed his responsibilities July 1, 2021.

“I am excited about this opportunity to lead the Virginia Morticians’ Association [VMA] and continue the magnificent legacy. Since October 24, 1928, the VMA has established a strong, effective voice for African American morticians, which has enabled us to sustain our industry and serve the general public with grace,” Hamlar stated. “Our theme will be, ‘We are First Responders: United to Serve, United for Progress.’ ”

Hamlar is the third-generation owner and president of 69-year-old Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home & Crematory. For the last 17 years, he has continued to sustain his family and colleagues’ legacy of renowned morticians, entrepreneurs and civic leaders. At Hamlar-Curtis, he serves as a funeral director, embalmer, preneed consultant and board member. He and his wife also manage Hamlar Enterprises, which focuses on property management and real estate development.

Hamlar holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and communications from Wake Forest University and a master’s degree in business administration from Liberty University. He currently serves on the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors, where he leads the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Hamlar also serves on the Governor’s Secure Commonwealth Panel for Public Safety and Homeland Security, along with the Go Virginia Region 2 Council.

Hamlar previously served on the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Board and organizations associated with his alma mater as a member of the Wake Forest University Athletic Council and Deacon Club board member. Hamlar has received several accolades for his business and community accomplishments, including being listed in the “Top 40 Under 40.”

In addition to Hamlar, the VMA elected the following executive officers for 2021-23: President-Elect Antonio A. Tucker (Tucker & Fisher Funeral Home & Cremation), 1st Vice President Shenae Cooper-Drummond (Cooper & Humbles Funeral Home), 2nd Vice President Samuel Rhue (Ocean View Funeral Home), General Secretary Mary E. Johnson Fields (Johnson Services Funerals and Cremations) and Treasurer Richard Lambert (Scott’s Funeral Home).