Well-known Cemetery Professional Joins Company in Advisory Role
April 4, 2024 – Anthem Partners, a premier operator of funeral homes and cemeteries, is pleased to announce that Jim La Mar has joined the organization in a consulting capacity. La Mar will be providing strategic counsel on how Anthem can grow its share in California. In addition, he will develop a leadership training program for the organization. Most recently, La Mar was the President of Greenlawn Funeral Homes and Cemeteries in Bakersfield, CA.
“For our company to continue its impressive growth, it’s essential for Anthem – among other things – to develop its human capital,” said Will Andrews, President and Co-CEO of Anthem Partners – US. “Thanks to Jim’s inspiring passion, unshakable integrity, and unrelenting focus on developing team members, he is a perfect candidate to lead our efforts in the area of talent development.”
La Mar has almost 35 years of sales and operational expertise in funeral service. La Mar began his career in cemetery sales at Greenlawn and transitioned to a field sales position at Forethought Financial Services (now Global Atlantic Financial Group). He later returned to Greenlawn to assume the role of President.
“I am excited to join the Anthem team and look forward to leveraging my deep experience in cemetery management and leadership development to help Anthem elevate its level of service, execute its growth plan, and drive talent improvements across the organization,” commented La Mar. “I’m energized by both talent and teamwork, and there is no shortage of that at Anthem. I feel fortunate to join such an innovative and growing organization that puts both families and employees first.”
La Mar serves as Secretary for the Board of Directors at the California Funeral Director Association. He also serves on the board of Bristol Hospice Foundation and Pathway Services, an organization that works with at-risk youths, providing foster care, adoption services, and emergency housing. He has also served on the boards of the Southern California Teen Challenge and the Stockdale Christian School. La Mar is a graduate of California State University and currently lives in Arroyo Grande.
“We are indeed fortunate that Jim has decided to join Anthem,” stated Andrews. “I have known Jim for many years, and he has the passion, experience, and leadership capabilities to accelerate Anthem’s success well into the future.”
About Anthem Partners: Anthem Partners is a privately-owned operator of cemeteries and funeral homes. Founded by a group of industry professionals and backed by long-term, patient investors, Anthem Partners is actively seeking opportunities to grow with like-minded professionals and firms who share their vision. To learn more, call 972.418.2908 or visit www.anthempartners.com.
