From a press release.
Selected Independent Funeral Homes has announced the election of new officers to lead the world’s largest and oldest association of independently-owned funeral homes. Selected’s Board of Directors elected the new officers, who will be installed later this year at the 98th Annual Meeting in September at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Neil P. O’Connor has been elected to serve as Selected’s next President. He is President/CEO of O’Connor Mortuary, a firm founded in 1898, located in Laguna Hills, California. O’Connor plans to focus on opportunities to increase member engagement and provide programs and resources that meet the needs of member firms. “We have a rich history and solid roots, but we need to look forward and address the needs of our member firms to stay competitive and meet our clients’ needs,” said O’Connor. “Training and recruiting quality staff, and finding ways to improve overall organizational health, continue to be important to our firms and a priority for the association.”
Ann Ciccarelli has been elected as Selected’s next Secretary-Treasurer. She is Corporate Clerk/Secretary of Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Homes in Saugus, Massachusetts. Ciccarelli is energized by the influx of new members and younger funeral professionals that the association is attracting. “The younger generation teaches, learns and thinks differently,” she said. “My parents taught me you are never too old to learn new things and education is a continuous process. We can all learn from each other, gaining new insights and perspectives.”
For more information on Selected’s programs, becoming a member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes or to locate a member, visit Selected’s website at selectedfuneralhomes.org or call 800-323-4219. Founded in 1917 as National Selected Morticians, Selected Independent Funeral Homes delivers innovative and pertinent resources, solutions, and ongoing support necessary for enduring excellence to its international network of independently-owned death-care providers who aspire to be the very best in their profession. Members of Selected operate according to specific standards and best practices in order to provide the public with reliable, high-quality funeral services and funeral-related information.