NFDA-Selected Deal Passes Key Vote, but Legal Challenges Remain
Members of the National Funeral Directors Association have officially approved two proposed amendments to the association’s bylaws following a vote that concluded on Oct. 7.
Each measure successfully passed the required two-thirds majority threshold needed for approval, with 873 of the 20,000 members participating. The voting was conducted through separate ballot questions, allowing eligible members to cast independent votes on each distinct proposal.
Governance Changes and Proposed Merger Details
The first measure, which passed 609 for to 264 against, approves the creation of two temporary seats on the NFDA Board of Directors contingent upon the closing of a proposed merger with Selected.
If the merger is finalized, these seats will remain in place for two consecutive two-year terms from the 2026 NFDA International Convention & Expo through the 2030 convention. Candidates would be nominated by Selected’s Executive Council and subject to NFDA’s standard committee appointment process.
Despite NFDA member approval, the merger remains subject to a vote by Selected’s membership, which has been suspended by a temporary restraining order. NFDA noted that Selected’s voting process has been delayed as the result of a temporary restraining order.
“We appreciate the members who took the time to review these proposals and participate in the voting process,” said NFDA CEO Christine Pepper. “Their engagement is important to the governance and future of our association, and we are grateful for their participation.”
Pepper added that while NFDA members supported the bylaws changes, the final decision rests with Selected’s membership.
“We respect the legal process and the decision Selected members will ultimately make,” she said. Pepper went on to emphasize that combining the organizations offers meaningful opportunities to preserve Selected’s legacy while expanding resources for funeral professionals, while reaffirming respect for the legal process.
Technical and Administrative Updates
Members also passed a second, separate ballot question focused on administrative and technical updates to the bylaws 688 to 185 against.
Unrelated to the merger, these updates remove outdated provisions, align the nondiscrimination policy with current laws, maintain supermajority requirements for specific bylaws, establish board removal procedures for cause, and introduce flexibility for board and state representative nominations.
Full ballot details remain available to members at nfda.org/elections. NFDA will continue to monitor developments regarding the merger and share updates as information becomes available.
