The New York State Funeral Directors Association’s Bridge Commission was created with the mission of developing strategies and practices that will assist the Association and its members recruit, develop and promote funeral professionals into and within the NYSFDA community. The Commission fulfills its charge through the mantra of Build, Connect, Support, Elevate.

Member Responsibilities

• Members will act to help ensure the sustainability and growth of the funeral service profession in New York State.
• Members should have a strong interest in – or be currently engaged in – advocacy, outreach, education or volunteerism beyond their current job requirements.
• Members will participate in conference calls and attend in-person meetings.
• Members will commit to actively participate on at least one Commission project work group.
• Members will support and participate in fulfilling the strategic focus and goals of the Commission, which will be
  decided annually.

Commission Members

Lorna Agusto, CFSP
David Conley
Nicholas Farenga (chair)
Jenna Fretthold
Julia Goodman
Michael Gorton, Jr., CFSP
Michelle Kinville
Sabrina Joynes, CFSP
Tyler Kent
Marika McMeans, CFSP
Heather Rauch
Carrie-Lynne Sorvari
Melissa Weeks
Daniel Zysman

New York State Funeral Directors Association

Founded in 1889, New York State Funeral Directors Association Inc. is among the oldest associations of funeral directors in the United States. Headquartered in Albany, New York, NYSFDA represents more than 950 funeral homes across New York State. Membership is open to any funeral firm and its owners and employees who are licensed by the State of New York to offer funeral services.  Our member funeral directors are compassionate experts – all adhering to an enforceable Code of Ethics.

NYSFDA provides professional services and educational programming designed to empower, inspire, and elevate the state’s funeral services industry and its professionals. Learn more about our member benefits.  Learn more about our organization and member benefits. 

Mission. Vision. Values.

Our Mission: To empower, inspire and elevate funeral directors.

Our Vision: A world where funerals matter.

Our Values: Integrity. Excellence. Commitment.

Student & Resident Membership

All mortuary science students and residents registered with the NYS Department of Health are eligible for a Student Membership. Student and resident members may not hold office nor are they eligible to vote. Student & Resident members receive a monthly newsletter, free or reduced continuing education, free registration to the NYSFDA Annual Convention, free NYS Law Book, and free “seeking residency” ad on the website. Click here to download the Student Membership Application.