Record Membership and Expert Insights Mark Independent Funeral Group Conference

The Independent Funeral Group, a growing network of independently-owned and -operated funeral homes from across the U.S., celebrated an incredibly successful year with a record number of members and partners at The Group’s annual Fall Conference at Cloudland at McLemore resort in Rising Fawn, Georgia from September 22-24, 2026.

Members of the group and their families enjoyed presentations by Brittany Godfrey, Public Education Specialist at the DeKalb County, Georgia Medical Examiner’s Office; Jake Johnson, President and CEO of Johnson Consulting Group; and The Group’s Executive Director, Dr. Brad Kuchnicki, and Associate Executive Director, Christi Moon Robbins. 

The keynote address was delivered by Martin Jeffrey, MBIE Dip FD. Jeffrey has over 34 years’ experience in embalming, post-mortem reconstruction, and mortuary operations throughout the United Kingdom, and is one of three professionals recently appointed as Funeral Sector Inspectors by the Scottish Ministers. He recounted his journey through funeral service, spoke on navigating sudden traumatic death, and shared the cultural and funeral traditions of Scotland. 

“The Fall Conference is always a special opportunity for us to come together, reconnect and learn from one another,” said Dr. Brad Kuchnicki, Executive Director of The Independent Funeral Group. “Seeing our members and their families, and hearing from such outstanding speakers reminds us how valuable these connections are. When we bring practitioners together to share their experiences, knowledge and perspectives, we strengthen not only The Group, but the funeral service as a whole.”

Since opening its membership to funeral firms across all 50 states in 2025 and offering members access to group health benefits at negotiated rates in August of this year, The Independent Funeral Group has experienced significant growth and anticipates even more interest in 2027. 

About The Independent Funeral Group

Since 1995, The Independent Funeral Group has worked to support family-owned and -operated funeral homes, and now serves as a buying, education, and resource group, committed to preserving independent ownership and strengthening the profession through shared resources and collaboration. Founded by funeral practitioners, for funeral practitioners, The Group champions dignity, service, and community. To learn more about The Independent Funeral Group’s mission, membership criteria, and benefits, visit www.tifg.net, email info@tifg.net, or call (865) 977-0027.