Three Funeral Service Veterans Join Anthem Partners
Appointments Strengthen Executive Team as Company Continues Explosive Growth
July 17, 2022 – Anthem Partners, a premier operator of funeral homes and cemeteries, is pleased to announce that Kevin Krizak, Dewey Akers, and Dave Sullivan have joined the organization. Krizak will be Vice President – Sales and lead the sales organization for Anthem’s U.S.-based funeral home and cemetery locations. Akers has assumed the role of Vice President of Cemetery Operations throughout the Anthem network and is responsible for the overall operations of the cemetery properties. Sullivan will serve Anthem in a senior advisor role, providing insights and strategic counsel to Anthem’s executive team.
“I am excited to augment our already experienced executive team with these three individuals. Kevin, Dewey, and Dave each bring a wealth of talent and experience to the Anthem organization,” stated Will Andrews, President of Anthem Partners – US. “Their deep and multi-faceted backgrounds in funeral service will serve them well in their new roles and benefit our company as we execute our longer-term strategic priorities.”
Krizak has more than forty years in funeral service – including time as an owner of a funeral home, cemetery, and monument company as well as working for several of the major consolidator companies. He most recently served as Vice President of Sales for the Midwest and Northeast Regions of one of the largest publicly traded funeral, cremation, and cemetery providers. Kevin and his wife Nellie have two daughters, a son, and eight grandchildren. Although they have lived in many states, they now call Texas home and reside in Seabrook just southeast of Houston.
“I am thrilled to join this exceptional company, particularly at this crucial time in its development,” said Krizak. “I am looking forward to strengthening Anthem’s sales processes and contributing to the company’s goal of being the preferred option for leading funeral homes and cemeteries with which to align.”
Akers has been involved in various aspects of funeral service since 1990. Just before joining Anthem, Akers was the VP of Operations, Southeast Region for one of the largest publicly traded funeral, cremation, and cemetery providers. Earlier, Akers was the VP of Operations for Saber Management, LLC. Akers began his career in 1990, working for Gibraltar Mausoleum Corporation. He has a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana University. He and his wife currently reside in Sellersburg, Indiana, and have three grown children.
“I can’t wait to leverage my decades of experience to enhance the operations at each Anthem cemetery property,” said Akers. “The culture that Will has developed since launching Anthem two years ago is truly inspiring. I look forward to working with the entire leadership team to develop the best tools and solutions for our employees and families.”
Sullivan boasts a long and storied career in funeral service. He joined Gibraltar Mausoleum Corp. in 1977 and rose to become the executive vice president of sales and marketing. He stayed with that company for 18 years until he formed Saber Management in January 1998. He remained as Saber CEO until he sold the company to a large funeral home consolidator. He earned a degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Virginia.
“Joining Anthem presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to their vision of providing partners with maximum value for their companies and to increase the opportunity of value growth creation,” commented Sullivan. “I am deeply committed to helping drive strategic growth and further positioning Anthem as a leader in funeral service.”
About Anthem Partners: Anthem Partners is a privately-owned operator of cemeteries and funeral homes. Founded by a group of industry professionals and backed by long-term, patient investors, Anthem Partners is actively seeking opportunities to grow with like-minded professionals and firms who share their vision. To learn more, call 972.418.2908 or visit www.anthempartners.com.
