Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust announced the selection of two new members of its Board of Trustees to fill positions that were vacated. Also announced is one interim Trustee to replace a position vacated early. The new Trustees will officially assume their roles on September 14, 2016, at the Educational Trust Annual Gala at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in Orlando. The event takes place during the 98th Annual Meeting of Selected Independent Funeral Homes.
St Pierre and Groff Chosen by Selected Funeral Homes Board
Paul C. St. Pierre is a sixth generation Funeral Director, and President of Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory in Indianapolis, IN and Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory in Anderson, IN.
St. Pierre is Chairman of one of Selected’s Study Groups, a past Board member of Selected Resources, Inc., and is enthusiastic about this leadership opportunity on the Trust Board.
“The Selected Trust has been blessed with great leaders over the years,” said St. Pierre, “I’m honored to be placed in that company and assist in its future growth.”
St. Pierre is extremely active in his community, most notably as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Scottish Rite Cathedral landmark in Indianapolis.
Elizabeth “Lisa” Groff is the President and Licensed Supervisor of The Groffs Funeral Home and is the fourth generation of funeral directors serving the Lancaster, PA community.
Groff has over 25 years of experience as a Funeral Director previously holding the positions of Preneed Manager, Pre-arrangement Counselor and Licensed Insurance Agent and has recognized how the funds from the Trust benefit the profession in general.
“I look forward to helping the Trust grow and have higher recognition among the members of Selected,” said Groff.
Groff has been a passionate and dedicated community volunteer for many years and serves on the Board of Neighborhood Services and as President of the Rotary Club of Lancaster. She is the former Board Chair of both the American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.
Asta Chosen to Fill One-Year Interim Term
Al Asta has joined as an interim one-year Board Trustee to replace Michael “Tripp” Carter, who had to vacate his position. Asta is COO of Johnson Consulting Group and General Manager of Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home in Phoenix, AZ, and has worked with hundreds of funeral homes throughout the US and Canada and has already stepped into his role.
“I am a huge advocate for education in funeral service and the value that it brings to our profession,” said Asta. “The fundamental programs and opportunities supported by the Trust are both needed and necessary to sustain independent funeral service into the future. I look forward to working toward continued advancement of such a worthy cause.”
Asta has served on numerous boards and committees including Past President of the Arizona Funeral Directors Association and participates in Selected Study Groups.
The entire 2016 Board of Trustees includes Cade C. Williamson, Thomas R. Morris, Lawrence Shildmeier Sr., Greg Cannon, Bob Hoaglund, Al Asta and Robert J. Paterkiewicz, Administrative Trustee.
About Selected Educational Trust: The Educational Trust was founded by Selected Independent Funeral Homes and is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization that provides support to the entire independent funeral home profession. We are dedicated to funding the development and administration of scholarships, research initiatives, educational programs and other assistance offerings to promote life-long learning for all who work within, and in support of, independent funeral service. The Educational Trust was established by Selected Independent Funeral Homes in 1982, but membership in Selected is not required to obtain assistance or provide a donation.
