STERLING, VA (May 12, 2017)— ICCFA President Scott R. Sells, CCFE, has announced that Irwin W. Shipper, CCE, the long-time chair of the Government and Legal Affairs Committee, has been appointed Chairman Emeritus. “For nearly a quarter century Irwin has adroitly helmed this important committee,” Sells stated, “and I can’t image the committee going forward without him. Irwin’s leadership has inspired trust and confidence by all because he has no private agenda of his own and works for the interests of all ICCFA members.”
Sells also announced appointment of co-chairs of the Government and Legal Affairs Committee: Keenan Knopke and Poul Lemasters. Knopke is President and CEO, Curlew Hills Memory Gardens and Funeral Home, Palm Harbor, Florida, and has been active in state and federal legislation for decades. “I am honored to have been selected to follow ICCFA legend Irwin Shipper as co-chair of the Government and Legal Affairs Committee,” Knopke commented.
Co-chair Poul Lemasters is Principal, Lemasters Consulting, Cincinnati, Ohio, and is an attorney and a licensed funeral director who provides legal and operational support for all deathcare professionals and providers. “It’s great to be involved with ICCFA, an association that is truly professional and encompasses all segments of our industry. It is an even greater honor to be asked to step in the shoes – or try to – of Irwin Shipper, who has been an incredible chairman on this committee.”
Sells stated, “Today there are a huge number of issues confronting our members and affecting the operations of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, and related businesses. The combined experience of Keenan and Poul, who have served on the committee for many years, places the ICCFA is the strongest possible position to advocate for the best interests of our diverse membership.”
Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral and memorialization profession. Its membership is composed of more than 9,100 rooftop locations and 20,000 professionals in the cemetery, funeral home and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.
