Wilbert Funeral Services Inc. hired Lisa Epps as senior vice president and general counsel. A former partner at Spencer Fane, Wilbert’s long-term outside law firm, Epps holds a Bachelor of Arts from American University and a J.D. from University of Kansas School of Law. She is a licensed attorney in Kansas and Missouri.

In her new role, Epps will be involved with many aspects of Wilbert’s growth and continued evolution, including acquisitions, insurance, human resources, information technology security and many corporate compliance issues faced by publicly traded companies.

In addition, Wilbert acquired Hoffman Burial Supplies (Peoria, Illinois), which distributes steel and wood caskets, as well as urns and funeral-related printed materials. HBS has six warehouses that serve funeral professionals in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

“This transaction supports [Wilbert’s] continued growth strategy and ongoing investment in complementary products and services benefiting funeral professionals and the families they serve,” stated Mark Bates, president and CEO. “Hoffman joins Astral Industries and Signet Supply, which together represent [Wilbert’s] Casket Division, with further expansion expected in 2021.”

Finally, WilbertEDU, the company’s complimentary online CEU program offered to funeral professionals, continues to offer new sessions in 2021. In January, John McQueen presented “Survival Skills During and Post-Pandemic,” and in early February, David Hicks of Pierce Chemical presented “Embalming Using the Restricted Cervical Injection Method.” On February 18, Pam Kleese of Homesteaders presented research on consumer behavior and attitudes toward cremation; she also outlined strategies to meet the needs of cremation families. For upcoming topics or to register, visit wilbert.com/wilbertedu.