Michael Watkins, CFSP, Named NFDA Senior Vice President of Operations

Michael J. Watkins, CFSP, has been named senior vice president of operations of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). In his new role, Watkins will oversee the Member Services Division, the International Relations Department, and the association?s internal operations, which includes the Accounting, Information Technology and Human Resources departments.

Watkins most recently served as executive vice president of Palm Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nev. Throughout the past 26 years, Watkins? professional experience in funeral service has allowed him to work with funeral homes throughout the country. He has interacted with firms of all sizes (from less than 100 calls to more than 7,000 calls annually); firms that operate in urban and rural settings; and funeral homes where a majority of client families desire burial to firms where most desire cremation.

?I am eager to help NFDA continue to grow and improve,? said Watkins. ?Our members? focus is on providing the best possible service to each family that walks through their doors. On any given day, however, there are a multitude of additional issues ? FTC and OSHA compliance, human resources, insurance and property liability, adherence to federal and state laws and regulations ? that are critical to the operation of their business. I want to use the experience I have gained in this profession to seek new ways to make our members feel supported by their national association, allowing them to focus on doing what they do best ? serving the bereaved.?

?The diversity of Mike?s experience, as a funeral director and in an administrative capacity, reflects the diversity of NFDA?s membership and makes him an outstanding addition to this association?s staff,? said NFDA CEO Christine Pepper, CAE. ?Regardless of the position he has held ? whether he was dealing directly with grieving families, or helping to develop the skills of those who serve families ? Mike?s central focus has always been to seek new ways to enhance the experience of the bereaved. I am confident his skills will help NFDA strengthen its outreach to members.?