DEERFIELD, Ill. — March 15, 2016 —Selected Independent Funeral Homes has announced the election of new Officers to lead the world’s largest and oldest association of independently-owned funeral homes. Selected’s Board of Directors elected the new Officers who will be installed later this year at the 98th Annual Meeting, Sept. 14-17 at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Walt Disney World in Orlando.
O’Connor Elected as President and Ciccarelli Named Secretary-Treasurer for 2017
Neil P. O’Connor has been elected to serve as Selected’s next President. Neil P. O’Connor is President/CEO of O’Connor Mortuary, a firm founded in 1898, located in Laguna Hills, Calif. He is the representative for Group 6 (Western North America). O’Connor plans to focus on opportunities to increase engagement and provide programs and resources that meet the needs of member firms.
“We have a rich history and solid roots but we need to look forward and address the needs of our member firms to stay competitive and meet our clients’ needs,” said O’Connor. “Training and recruiting quality staff and finding ways to improve overall organizational health continue to be important to our firms and a priority for the association.”
Ann Ciccarelli has been elected as Selected’s next Secretary-Treasurer. She represents Group 1 (North-Eastern North America) and is Corporate Clerk/Secretary of Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Homes in Saugus, Mass. She is energized by the influx of new members and younger funeral professionals that the association is attracting.
“The younger generation teaches, learns and thinks differently,” Ciccarelli said. “My parents taught me you are never too old to learn new things and education is a continuous process. We can all learn from each other, gaining new insights and perspectives.”
The entire 2016 Board of Directors includes President Mark T. Higgins, Durham, N.C., Group 3; Secretary-Treasurer J Mitchell, Kilgore, Tex., Group 5; Charles “Chip” Billow, Akron, Ohio, Group 2; Lisa Baue, St. Charles, Mo., Group 4; President-Elect Neil O’Connor, Laguna Hills, Calif., Group 6; Secretary-Treasurer-Elect Ann Ciccarelli, Saugus, Mass., Group 1; and Ex Officio Brad Speaks, Independence, Mo., Group 4. New Officers and Directors will be officially installed on September 17, 2016, at Selected’s 98th Annual Meeting in Orlando.
For more information on Selected’s programs, becoming a member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes or to locate a member, visit Selected’s website at selectedfuneralhomes.org or call 800-323-4219.
