DEERFIELD, Ill. — March 23, 2018 —Selected Independent Funeral Homes has announced the election of new Officers to lead the world’s oldest association of independently-owned funeral homes. Selected’s Board of Directors elected the new Officers who will be officially installed during the 100th Annual Meeting October 10-13 at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Farris-Luke Elected as President and Jackson Named Secretary-Treasurer for 2019
Kimberly Farris-Luke, a fourth-generation funeral professional, has been elected to serve as Selected’s next President. Farris-Luke is President and CEO of Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon, Va., founded in 1952 as a branch of her great-grandfather’s funeral home in Saltville, Va. She is the representative for Group 3 and her firm has been a member of Selected since 1961. Kim’s father, David M. Farris, served as Board President in 1999, the year the organization changed its name from NSM to Selected.
“It is an honor to be chosen to serve as President, especially as the first female Board President. As we shepherd in the next century of our association, I am excited about the potential for each of our members to grow and thrive in the changing world of funeral service,” said Farris-Luke. “Though some may say the future of our profession looks uncertain, I view these times as an opportunity for us to redefine our profession and to develop creative, compassionate ways to meet the various needs of the families we serve.”
Farris-Luke obtained her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Richmond and her MBA from the University of South Carolina and completed graduate-level education in Social Work and Christian Counseling. She is a longtime active member of Woodland Hills Christian Church; is a member of the Abingdon Rotary Club; has served on the boards of several local non-profit organizations; is a frequent speaker about grief and end-oflife planning; and has earned certification as a Death and Grief Educator from Center for Loss.
Farris-Luke said she looks forward to connecting with members, listening to their stories and gaining their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities they face.
“Selected is an organization like none other, with exceptional members who exemplify the best of what our profession has to offer our communities. Our mission is to come alongside our members with training and resources to help them flourish,” said Farris-Luke. “If we accomplish that, our association will also thrive.”
Joe Jackson, Jr., a third-generation funeral professional, has been elected as Selected’s next SecretaryTreasurer. He represents Group 5 and is President of Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapel in Laredo, Tex., a firm with family roots going back to 1918.
Jackson attended Laredo Community College, Texas A&M International University, and Texas A&M University in College Station and in 1978 graduated from Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science in Houston. He has been actively involved in St. Patrick’s Church, the Laredo Noon Lions Club and a multitude of other civic organizations. In his free time, Jackson, Jr. especially enjoys golf and working with his audio equipment.
“I have truly benefited from all that Selected membership has to offer and look forward to being part of the strategic planning efforts currently underway as we plan for the next century of independent funeral service,” said Jackson, Jr.
Jackson believes that while each geographic area may face different challenges, the collective think tank that Selected membership provides offers solutions and opportunities for members to help one another no matter where they are located or what obstacles they face.
“I really love the Selected Forum,” said Jackson, Jr. “Every discussion offers some insight or new perspective and that is so valuable for the independent funeral professional. It demonstrates that collectively we have what it takes to prepare and respond pro-actively to the changing market.”
The entire Board of Directors includes President Charles “Chip” Billow, Akron, Oh., Group 2; SecretaryTreasurer Lisa Baue, St. Charles, Mo., Group 4; Arthur Erickson, Hamden, Conn. , Group 1; President-Elect Kim Farris-Luke, Abingdon, Va., Group 3; Secretary-Treasurer-Elect Joe Jackson Jr., Laredo, Texas, Group 5; Jake Johnson, Sun City, Ariz., Group 6 and Ex Officio Neil O’Connor, Laguna Hills, Calif., Group 6.
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.
About Selected Independent Funeral Homes
Selected Independent Funeral Homes (selectedfuneralhomes.org) delivers innovative and pertinent resources, solutions and ongoing support necessary for enduring excellence to its international network of independently owned death-care providers who aspire to be the very best in their profession.
Members of Selected operate according to specific standards and best practices in order to provide the public with reliable, high-quality funeral services and funeral-related information.
2017 marked the organization’s 100th anniversary and a legacy of dedication and support to the death-care profession.
