In a profession where time is often scarce and continuing education is essential, funeral directors need to make every learning opportunity count. Fortunately, a new wave of speakers and educators has emerged—individuals who have not only mastered their respective specialties but have also become trusted voices in deathcare. These thought leaders are helping reshape the profession with bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and proven strategies.
Today, professional development isn’t confined to convention halls or seminar rooms. While national and state conferences still offer invaluable in-person learning, many of the most influential speakers now share their insights online—through webinars, digital courses, books, and podcasts. This makes it easier than ever for funeral professionals to grow their knowledge from the comfort of their own office or on the go.
Whether you’re seeking technical advice for the embalming room, innovative ways to support grieving families, financial planning ideas, or marketing tips to grow your firm, these speakers in the funeral profession are leading the charge. Their voices are driving progress, challenging the status quo, and offering practical guidance to help you better serve your community—and become the best funeral director you can be. Be sure to explore our list below and check back later this month to read for Part II where we share eight more speakers in the funeral profession making an impact.
8 Thought Leaders Every Funeral Director Should Know
Poul Lemasters
Founder of Lemasters Consulting and Dead Ringers
Specializes in Funeral Law and Communication
Website | Linked In | Quarterly Journal
Poul Lemasters is a prominent figure in the death care profession, known for his deep legal and operational expertise tailored specifically to funeral homes, crematories, cemeteries, and trade associations. With a background in both mortuary science and law, Poul provides a unique, dual-lens perspective to help businesses navigate the complexities of risk management, daily operational conflicts, regulatory compliance, valuations, and contract review. He serves as a trusted advisor to numerous funeral and cemetery organizations across the United States, offering both strategic guidance and practical solutions.
Here are a few ways you can learn from Poul’s expertise: Hire Lemasters Consulting to provide personalized resources and counseling, sign up for COCP Online Training through the ICCFA, become a member of Dead Ringers or subscribe to Parliament magazine.
Dr. Jennifer Lares
Founder of the Mulling Mortician and Funeral Service Education Consultant for Raven Plume Consulting
Specializes in many areas of funeral service including technical subjects and funeral directing
Website | Linked In | YouTube Channel
Dr. Jennifer Lares (MBA, DBA), also known as The Mulling Mortician, is a seasoned funeral professional, educator, and advocate for compassionate death care. A licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since 1998, Jennifer holds active dual licensure in Florida and Texas, with past credentials in Washington, Nevada, Tennessee, and North Carolina. With over three decades of experience—including eight years as a Department of Defense mortician—she has served in both civilian and military roles. Notably, she was a Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy from 2007 to 2012, specializing in Mortuary Affairs.
Here are a few ways you can learn from Dr. Lares’ expertise: Visit the Mulling Mortician site to sign up for virtual or on-site training, attend a CE webinar or see her present in person at funeral association events, explore her library educational videos on YouTube, or hire Raven Plume Consulting where Dr. Lares serves as a funeral service education consultant.
Benjamin Schmidt
Professor of Funeral Service Education, Community Engagement Coordinator at Frigid Fluid, Co-creator of MorTraq, Embalming Consultant for Raven Plume Consulting and Host of the Funeralcast Podcast
Specializes in embalming and restorative arts
Website | Linked In | Podcast
Benjamin Schmidt is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, educator, and author whose career reflects a deep commitment to both the art and science of funeral service. After serving seven years in the U.S. Navy, Ben pursued dual bachelor’s degrees in Natural Science and Psychology from Thomas Edison State University. He began his professional life as a social worker at a residential facility for children with disabilities, before discovering his calling in funeral service. A graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 2011, Ben went on to earn a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and has since taught a wide range of subjects—including embalming, restorative art, chemistry, and funeral service history—at multiple mortuary colleges.
Here are a few ways you can learn from Benjamin’s expertise: attend an embalming seminar or webinar, hire Raven Plume Consulting where Benjamin serves as an embalming consultant, explore Frigid Fluid’s library of embalming videos which often feature Benjamin or listen to The Funeralcast Podcast.
Matthew R. Bailey
President of B.C. Bailey Funeral Home and Celebrant Trainer for the Insight Institute
Specializes in Funeral Celebrant Training
Website | Linked In | Podcast
Matthew Bailey, CFSP, offers a compelling example of what modern funeral directors can aspire to through a mix of professionalism, innovation, and service. As a sixth-generation funeral director and president of Bailey Family Funeral Homes, he blends heritage with forward-thinking leadership. His credentials—as a Certified Celebrant, Crematory Operator, and Celebrant Trainer—highlight the value of expanding one’s skill set to meet evolving family needs. Bailey’s involvement with major funeral associations and his numerous speaking engagements show the importance of staying engaged at both the local and national levels.
Here are a few ways you can learn from Matt’s expertise: Attend a webinar or see him present in person at funeral association events, register for Celebrant Training through the Insight Institute, or listen to the Graveyard Shift podcast where Matt joins two other seasoned funeral directors to discuss valuable insights into the evolving profession.
Amy Cunningham
Founder of Fitting Tributes Funerals
Specializes in Eco-Friendly Funeral Options
Website | Linked In | Blog
Amy Cunningham is a licensed funeral director and celebrant in Brooklyn, New York, who has become a widely recognized advocate for eco-friendly and meaningful end-of-life care. Through her funeral home, Fitting Tribute Funeral Services, Amy specializes in green burials, home funerals, delayed transfers, and witnessed cremations, working primarily in cemeteries certified by the Green Burial Council. Her innovative approach to death care—blending sustainability with ceremony—has garnered attention from major publications. Amy’s commitment to making funerals more affordable, personal, and environmentally conscious stems from her rich educational background, including a BA in English from the University of Virginia, mortuary training from the American Academy McAllister Institute, and celebrant and home funeral guide certifications. Her thoughtful resources, such as a digital platform for ceremonies and grief readings, as well as her blog The Inspired Funeral, reflect her dedication to educating both professionals and families about meaningful memorial experiences.
Here are a few ways you can learn from Amy’s expertise: Attend a workshop in person at Green-Wood Cemetery or virtually, read Amy’s blog, articles or listen to a podcast (like this one from the NFDA), explore resources and funeral ideas on the Inspired Funeral website.
Jake Johnson
President and CEO of Johnson Consulting Group and Founder of j3techsolutions
Specializes in funeral business analysis and financial planning
Website | Linked In | Blog
Funeral directors can learn a great deal from Jake Johnson’s dynamic and multifaceted career in funeral service. As President & CEO of Johnson Consulting, Jake brings a unique blend of hands-on funeral home experience and high-level financial expertise. His early work at Keystone Group Holdings gave him a deep understanding of financial analysis and acquisition integration, skills vital for any funeral director looking to grow or transition their business. Jake’s time managing Palm Mortuaries and Cemeteries taught him how to successfully operate large-scale funeral and cemetery services while maintaining quality care.
Here are a few ways you can learn from Jake’s expertise: Hire Johnson Consulting Group to provide your funeral home with a business analysis, attend a CE webinar or see him present in person at funeral association events, read his book Staying Alive In The Funeral & Cemetery Profession: Building A Business, Weathering Changes, and Finding Growth, or listen to some of the many funeral profession podcasts that have featured Jake.
Danielle Burmeister
Vice President of Marketing Communications at Homesteaders Life Company
Specializes in funeral home marketing
Website | Linked In | Podcast
Funeral directors can gain valuable marketing insights from Danielle Burmeister’s thoughtful, strategic approach to communication. As VP of Marketing and Communications for Homesteaders Life Company, Danielle leads a team that shapes how the brand connects with funeral professionals and the families they serve. Her background in event marketing and education gives her a well-rounded perspective on audience engagement and messaging. Danielle’s experience hosting the Calling Hours podcast demonstrates the power of authentic storytelling and meaningful dialogue in building trust with both peers and consumers. She knows how to ask the right questions and spotlight real challenges and successes in the profession—something funeral directors can emulate in their own community outreach.
Here are a few ways you can learn from Danielle’s expertise: Attend a webinar or see her present in person at funeral association events, listen to the Calling Hours podcast, or read Danielle’s posts on the Homesteader’s blog.
Dr. Jason Troyer
Founder of GriefPlan.com and Co-Founder of Healing Path Cemetery
Specializes in helping funeral directors battling burnout, defusing conflicts and offering grief support to families
Website | Linked In | Grief Plan
Dr. Jason Troyer, a counseling psychologist with a PhD and extensive academic background, has dedicated his career to supporting both the bereaved and the professionals who serve them. A former psychology professor at Maryville College for nearly 15 years, Dr. Troyer has become a trusted voice at funeral home association events across the country, where he frequently speaks on topics such as burnout, compassion fatigue, and strategies for self-care among funeral professionals.
Here are a few ways you can learn from Dr. Troyer’s expertise: Attend a CE webinar or see him present in person at funeral association events, explore the Grief Plan video program or add it to your funeral home’s website, check out Dr. Troyer’s website for resources to help funeral homes and cemeteries.
What are some of the speakers in the funeral profession that have influenced you the most? Please share in the comments below. Be sure to visit our blog later this month to explore Part 2 of our Funeral Director Speaker blog series where we share 8 more speakers in the funeral profession making an impact, including Monica Torres, Welton Hong, Jennifer Muldowney and more!
Related Reading
Exploring Valuable Tools for Deathcare Professionals: 18 Must-Know Funeral Director Resources
8 Grief Resources Funeral Professionals Should Know About
More than Morticians: The Surprising Number of Jobs Funeral Directors Juggle
