OGR Installs New Board of Directors

Funeral Industry News Funeral Industry Press Releases Order of the Golden Rule May 22, 2023
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OGR Installs New Board of Directors

Christopher B. Miller of California to serve as association’s 2023-2024 President

INDIANAPOLIS (May 24, 2022) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR), the world’s leading professional association dedicated to making independent funeral homes exceptional, is pleased to announce the installation of Christopher B. Miller as the new president of the organization. Miller is the owner of Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory with locations in Corona and Riverside California. 

A second-generation funeral director, Miller began working in the family business as a teenager. After graduating high school, Miller left the family business to attend the California Polytechnic University of Pomona. He graduated in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Restaurant Management and worked in corporate management for the food service industry. Wanting to return to the family business, Miller received a Mortuary Science degree in 1992 from the Mortuary Science Program at Cypress College, also receiving the highest honor from the program, the Melvin Hilgenfeld Award.

As the funeral industry experiences rapid transformations, Miller is eager to guide OGR and its members toward excellence in serving families. Recognizing that consumer expectations and preferences are evolving at an unprecedented pace, Miller sees tremendous opportunity in embracing innovation and embracing the changing landscape of funeral services.

“In an era where personalization, inclusivity, and compassion are paramount, I’m committed to equipping OGR members with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate these shifting dynamics,” said Miller.  By staying at the forefront of industry trends and advancements, OGR will continue to lead the funeral profession, ensuring that its members can provide unparalleled support to grieving families, both today and in the years to come.” 

During the board installation ceremony on May 3rd in Indianapolis, Miller was formally installed as the President. 

As part of this transition, Paul Hummel III, Hummel Funeral Homes (Akron, OH), assumed the role of Past President.  Jamie Wieting, Wieting Family Funeral Services (Chilton, WI) was installed as Vice President. Kim Hunter, Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles-Newbigging Chapel (Toronto, Ontario), was installed as Secretary/Treasurer. 

The ceremony also included the re-installation of board members Peter Urban Jr., Anton B. Urban Funeral Home (Ambler, PA), S. Chase Lewis, Lewis Funeral Home (Pace, FL), and Geri Oliverie, Oliverie Funeral Home (Manchester, NJ). 

The board also welcomed Larnique Mickens, Heritage Mortuary, Inc. (Las Vegas, NV) for her first term on the OGR board.

About the International Order of the Golden Rule

Since 1928, the International Order of the Golden Rule has been the leading professional association dedicated to promoting high ethical standards and outstanding service in the funeral and memorialization profession. OGR members represent the elite in the industry, consistently providing compassionate and personalized care to families in their time of need. For more information, visit www.ogr.org