CANA Members Elect Leaders at Annual Meeting

WHEELING, IL— In August 2026, members of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) attending the Annual Meeting at the 108^th Annual Cremation Convention in Minneapolis re-elected three incumbent board members, elected one new director, and passed the gavel to new CANA President Denis Desrochers. Members also recognized the service of Past President Ryan Wiseman.

CANA’s President for the 2026-2027 year is third-generation funeral director Denis Desrochers, Chairman of Grégoire Desrochers. The firm includes locations in Victoriaville, Warwick, Plessisville, Princeville, and Manseau, Québec. “It is with great pride and honor that I accept the presidency of the Cremation Association of North America,” remarked Desrochers. “As the proverb says, ‘Alone we can go faster, but together we can go farther.’ As CANA’s President, I pledge that I will make sure that we share knowledge, we share innovation, and we share the best practices in our industry with all of the members of CANA. Together we will make a difference in our industry. Together we will be the best that we can be.”

CANA’s membership elected one new member to the Board of Directors to lead the association in the coming years. Steve Brown, Senior Director of Cemetery Initiatives and Strategic Projects at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has over a decade of experience in leading and managing various aspects of cemetery operations—from customer service and administration to preservation and innovation. “I’m proud to join CANA’s Board of Directors to apply my passion for cremation and extensive experience in cemetery and crematory operations,” said Brown. “I will serve as an approachable ambassador for CANA, advocating for members by promoting the Association’s mission, values, and progressive spirit while stewarding its legacy and looking forward.”

Evans Baldwin, Vice President of Sales for Foundation Partners Group based in Winter Park, Florida; Jimmy Lucas, Owner of Lucas Funeral Homes in Hurst, Texas; and, C.R. Lyons, President of C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors in Danvers, Massachusetts, were re-elected to serve a second term on the Board. The Board of Directors elected John Goobeck, head of operations of Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors in Denton, Texas, to serve as an officer on the Executive Committee as Third Vice President. The Membership recognized Past President Ryan Wiseman, an owner of Porter Funeral Homes in Kansas City and Lenexa, Kansas, for his commitment to promoting CANA and strengthening the association’s mission of service to the profession. His leadership affirmed that while the deathcare profession continues to adapt and change, CANA’s steadfast foundation of best practices and expert insight remains essential to guiding its most significant decisions and strategies.

CANA’s Board of Directors is complete with:

Denis Desrochers of Grégoire Desrochers in Victoriaville, Québec, CANA President;

Sandra Walker of Pacific Northwest Cremation in Spokane, Washington, President Elect;

William “Bill” Clark of Kootenay Enterprises Inc. in Trail, British Columbia, First Vice President;

Timothy “Tim” Koch of Metro First Call in St. Paul, Minnesota, Second Vice President;

John Goobeck of Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors, in Denton, Texas, Third Vice President;

Robbie Pape of Carriage in Houston, Texas, CANA Treasurer;

Lindsey Ballard of Ballard Sunder Funeral Home in Jordan, Minnesota, Immediate Past President;

Judy Olson of National Guardian Life Insurance Company, CANA Supplier Liaison;

Daniel “Dan” Applegate of The Arlington Memorial Gardens;

Evans Baldwin of Foundation Partners Group;

Stephen “Steve” Bassett of Legacy Funeral Group;

Dirk Bearden of Service Corporation International;

Steve Brown of Mount Auburn Cemetery;

Katie La Bella of St. Michael’s Cemetery and Crematory;

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;

Lara M. Price of Pappas Grubbs Price PC, CANA General Counsel;

E. Gene Allen of Kerrville Funeral Home, Education Liaison; and,

Caressa Hughes of Service Corporation International, Technical Advisor – Government and Legal Affairs.

CANA thanks its Board of Directors and all those who serve on its Advisory Groups and as CANA Ambassadors 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

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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.

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