PALM SPRINGS, CA – Funeral service regulators and educators from across the United States and Canada convened in Palm Springs, California, from February 25-27, 2025, for the 121st Annual Meeting of The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, Inc.

The meeting was held at Riviera Resort and focused on key regulatory challenges and advancements within the profession. The Conference hosted more than 100 attendees from 35 different states and provinces.

Conference Legal Counsel Dale Atkinson led off the event with a brilliant session on regulatory board service. ICFSEB President Marty Rieken officially opened the Annual Business Meeting, which included a delegate roll call, committee reports, and board nominations.

The delegate assembly approved revisions to the Conference’s By-Laws and Model Practice Act. A resolution to formally request the ABFSE establish a standardized curriculum for funeral-directing only education programs was also approved.

The Conference elected five members to its Board of Directors, welcoming three new members while re-electing two incumbents.

Kortney Adams (District 1) and Gina Sanchez (District 9) were re-elected to their leadership roles. Matalie Mickens (District 3), Chris Howard (District 5), and R. DeMale Bowden Jr. (District 7) were elected to serve their first terms on the Board.

The opening presentation (Deathcare in Distress: How Bad Actors Led to an Industry Overhaul in Colorado) featured a panel discussion on the state’s regulatory journey between regulators, a legislator, and Danielle McCarthy – wife of a Sunset Mesa victim. McCarthy’s testimony touched the hearts of all meeting attendees and concluded with a standing ovation.

“Danielle’s story was incredible,” said Noura Eltabbakh of the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation. “Her bravery and willingness to share her story was so powerful. The consumer guide was also a fantastic resource.”

The President’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies in recognition of its efforts to reform funeral service legislation and eliminate unlicensed practice. Following the opening panel, attendees split up into district meetings to discuss relevant industry trends and topics, such as the implications of AI, methods of disposition, and several licensure categories.

Eric D’Astolfo, Vice President of Business Development at Pearson VUE, wrapped up the Wednesday slate with a knowledgeable presentation on the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic and generative AI have had on licensure exams. At the awards banquet, several departing board members were honored, as well as immediate past president Marty Rieken.

District 8 Director Karen Carruthers was elected to serve as the ICFSEB President and  District 2 Director Lacyn Barton will serve as the Vice President.

The bulk of the presentations were reserved for Thursday and covered a variety of important topics. Atkinson provided attendees with a wealth of information regarding current legislative regulatory cases.

Josh Twitty (Labor Shortage and Professionalism) discussed the importance of maintaining competency when increasing accessibility to the workforce. John McGuire (Funeral Service Regulators & Out of Jurisdiction Disaster Responders) gave a compelling talk on mass fatalities and disaster preparedness.

FTC Attorney Rebecca Plett informed our attendees on the funeral rule and its legislative update. The Conference staff gave its annual presentation on the state of The Conference and its new initiatives, including candidate communications, membership polling, and legislative tracking.

Barton teamed with Garan Shaw (Beyond the Gift: Navigating the Regulation of Anatomical Donation) to close the meeting with a great lesson on importance of regulation, especially in dealing with organ and tissue donation. Shaw, a donor recipient, gave impactful personal testimony.

“This was, hands down, one of the best conferences I’ve had the privilege to

attend,” said Megan Borchert of the South Dakota Board of Funeral Service. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in The Conference and look forward to those to come.”

The Conference’s Annual Meeting provides a valuable opportunity for those interested in furthering funeral service regulation to exchange information, problem-solving strategies, and goals for the future of the profession. The 122nd Annual Meeting will be held on February 24-26, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Seelbach Hilton.

The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards is headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Founded in 1904, the membership of The Conference is composed of funeral service licensing and regulatory agencies throughout the United States and Canada. For more information on The Conference, visit www.theconferenceonline.org.