Atlantis Paradise Island, The Bahamas — January 29, 2024 — At its 2024 NextGen Seminar, Selected Independent Funeral Homes named Quinn Haisley-Wheeler of Haisley Funeral & Cremation Service in Fort Pierce, Fla. as the NextGen Professional of the Year. The Professional of the Year Award highlights career achievements and community involvement of funeral professionals under the age of 50.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to have been awarded the 2024 NextGen of the Year Award,” said Haisley-Wheeler. “This achievement would not have been possible without the support of my family, my incredible staff and my many mentors. There are so many people within Selected that I admire and look up to; some of which have received this award before me. I am thrilled and inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence within our industry in the years to come.”
While Quinn grew up in her family’s funeral business, she didn’t decide to pursue her father’s profession as a career until she was a senior in high school. After graduating from high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree at Florida State University before pursuing a degree in mortuary science at St. Petersburg College.
Quinn quickly took operations to the next level when she joined Haisley Funeral & Cremation Service as a funeral director and embalmer. Her knack for seeing business opportunities led to the firm’s expansion into pet cremations, Haisley Pet Loss Services, and a successful line of budget-friendly online cremations, Treasure Coast Cremations.
In 2015, Quinn’s skills in leadership led to additional responsibilities and a promotion to Director of Funeral Service Operations. Under her oversight, the family business opened a second funeral home location, Haisley Funeral & Cremation Service Tribute Center, remodeled its selection room, increased its veteran options and cremation selections and upgraded all its computer systems to include virtual selection rooms with tablet PC’s.
Besides her work at Haisley Funeral & Cremation Service, Quinn loves giving back to her community. Her love for community service comes from her parents, who were founding members of the Independent Funeral Directors of Florida. She has served on several boards and committees, including CASTLE Teaching Safe Parenting, The Royal Palms of St. Lucie County, The United Way of St. Lucie County, the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Pierce Sunrise Kiwanis Club and Rooters 4-H Club. Most recently Quinn has participated as a member of the St. Anastasia Catholic Church and School Capital Campaign where she helped to successfully raise close to $3 million dollars.
Quinn values her Selected membership, particularly within the NextGen Community. She has served as Co-Chair of the NextGen Advisory Group, assisted with planning as a member of Selected’s Programming Work Group and graduated from Selected’s Leadership Academy. “For me,” she says, “being involved with Selected and being able to have a group of like-minded individuals I can call on at any time, has set me apart from others in our industry.”
For her contributions to her firm, community and our association, Selected is proud to present Quinn with the 2024 NextGen Professional of the Year Award.
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About the NextGen Community: Selected Independent Funeral Homes created the NextGen Community to develop young funeral professionals as well as assist those new to the profession. The NextGen Seminar, held annually, offers educational and networking sessions for participants.
About Selected Independent Funeral Homes: 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 to provide the public with reliable, high-quality funeral services and funeral-related information.
