CANA Membership Elects Leaders at Annual Meeting

WHEELING, IL— In September 2024, members of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) attending the Annual Meeting at the 106^th Annual Cremation Convention in Chicago re-elected two incumbent board members, elected one new director, and passed the gavel to new CANA President Ryan Wiseman. They also recognized the service of two individuals retiring from board service.

INTRODUCING CANA’S 2024-2025 PRESIDENT

Ryan Wiseman is a co-owner of both Porter Funeral Homes in Kansas City and Lenexa, Kansas, and the Cremation Society of Kansas and Missouri, which has four locations around the Kansas City area. “As CANA President, I hope to continue to build the membership of CANA and to grow the organization as a whole,” remarked Wiseman. “I’m always excited to spread the word about an association that helps to keep me informed about the latest industry news and trends. This wealth of knowledge helps me to run and maintain a business based on a solid foundation of best practices and input and advice from the best minds in professional deathcare.”

NEWLY ELECTED TO THE CANA BOARD

New elected board member Katie Sullivan Frideres, Vice President of Cremation Society of Illinois in Chicago, Illinois, has over 20 years of cremation industry experience. “At Cremation Society of Illinois, we’ve always promoted inclusion at every level,” Sullivan Frideres said. “Choosing cremation allows for both traditional and non-traditional ceremonies, ensuring everyone’s preferences are respected and celebrated. I aim to continue fostering this open mindset, promoting inclusion, and bringing my experience to the CANA board.”

CANA’s new Supplier Liaison is Judy Olson, VP – Sales & Business Development for National Guardian Life (NGL) based in Madison, Wisconsin. Judy was elected by the Supplier Members of the Association. Her unique role is to represent the interests and needs of the businesses that supply goods and services to the funeral profession. Olson has worked for NGL for over 16 years and has regularly participated in CANA events since 2017. “During my tenure,” Olson explained, “I will focus on continually educating myself so I can, in turn, help educate and share information. I see CANA as an association that is focused on the well-being of its members and encourages collaboration and partnership. I enjoy collaborating with others so will make sure to get to know all the suppliers that support the Association, as well as the active members, so I can help make effective connections.”

Dirk Bearden, Managing Director, PCC and Crematory Operations for Service Corporation International based in Houston, Texas, was re-elected to serve a second term on the board along with John Goobeck, Manager at Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, Texas. Bill Clark, Managing Director of Kootenay Enterprises, Inc. in Trail, British Columbia, was elected by the board of directors to serve as an officer on the Executive Committee as Third Vice President.

CANA’s Board of Directors is complete with:

Ryan Wiseman of Porter Funeral Homes in Kansas City, Kansas, CANA President;
Lindsey Ballard of Ballard Sunder Funeral Home in Jordan, Minnesota, President Elect;
Denis Desrochers of Grégoire Desrochers in Victoriaville, Quebec, First Vice President;
Sandra Walker of Pacific Northwest Cremation in Spokane, Washington, Second Vice President;
William “Bill” Clark of Kootenay Enterprises Inc. in Trail, British Columbia, Third Vice President;
Timothy “Tim” Borden of Borden Mortuary Group in Louisville, Kentucky, CANA Treasurer;
Robert Hunsaker of Serenity Funeral Home in St. George, Utah, Immediate Past President;
Judy Olson of National Guardian Life Insurance Company, CANA Supplier Liaison;
E. Gene Allen of Kerrville Funeral Home;
Stephen “Steve” Bassett of Legacy Funeral Group;
Dirk Bearden of Service Corporation International;
John Goobeck of Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors;
Timothy “Tim” Koch of Metro First Call;
Jimmy Lucas of Lucas Funeral Homes;
C.R. Lyons of C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors;
Katie Sullivan Frideres of the Cremation Society of Illinois;
Jason Widing of Foundation Partners Group; and
Lara M. Price of Pappas Grubbs Price PC, CANA General Counsel.

RETIRING BOARD

The Membership also recognized two retiring Board Members. Past President Caressa Hughes has concluded her role as Officer and will begin her service as Technical Liaison for Government and Legal Affairs. As President from 2022-2023, Caressa Hughes, Assistant Vice President of Government and Industry Relations for Service Corporation International, guided the Association through many important projects. She helped conduct communications with the Federal Trade Commission regarding changes to The Funeral Rule and oversaw development of a new three-year strategic plan.

Kim Price of Memory Glass served two terms as Supplier Liaison, from 2018 to 2024. Her passion, commitment, and drive for CANA and the profession are unmatched and propelled the association during her six-year tenure. We are grateful for their service to our association and the profession.

CANA thanks its Board of Directors and all those who serve on its Advisory Groups for their dedication to CANA and funeral service. These leaders volunteer their time and talent to ensure continued recognition for CANA as the trusted authority and educator on all aspects of cremation. Find more information and learn how to get involved on CANA’s website: cremationassociation.org/BoardofDirectors

About CANA

Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.