Monday, July 23, 2007

New Executive Director Appointed

Selected Independent Funeral Homes has announced the appointment of a new executive director. In a letter sent to the membership last week, President Porter Loring, III wrote, “Your Board of Directors is pleased to announce that it has selected Robert J. Paterkiewicz of Chicago, IL, as the new executive director of Selected Independent Funeral Homes. He will officially begin on August 20, and many of you will have your first opportunity to meet him at our Annual Meeting, October 14-17 at The Fairmont hotel in Chicago.

“Since 1997, “Mr. Paterkiewicz (pronounced “patter-kev-itch”) has served as executive director of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), a member-based organization of independent business operators,” Mr. Loring continued. “He also was assistant executive director of ASHI for two years and has served in various leadership capacities for several trade and professional associations. In 1998, he received the Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives, and in 2000, he obtained the Institute of Organizational Management designation from the United States Chamber of Commerce.

“Rob is a native of the Chicago area. He, his wife, Cindy, and their three children live in the western suburbs of the city. He is excited about the opportunity to work for and with the members of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, and I invite the membership to join me in welcoming Rob to our association.

“I also want to take this opportunity to again recognize the fine work of the search committee appointed by the Board: Past President J. Todd Lumbard (chairman), Thomas A. Broussard, Beaumont, TX; James H. Busch, Cleveland, OH; John W. Haben, Skokie, IL; John J. Horan, Aurora, CO; Douglas R. Porter, Toronto, ON; Patricia J. Ralph, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Past President, Stephen C. Ryan, Salina, KS; Thos. R. Shepherd, Hendersonville, NC; and also educational consultant James A. Fruehling of the Headquarters office. Their professionalism, dedication and untiring effort on behalf of the association greatly helped the Board select the right person for this important position.”

“I am very impressed with Selected Independent Funeral Homes,” said Mr. Paterkiewicz, “especially the recent organizational and governance changes it has implemented. This is a very prestigious group that places great importance on the exchange of ideas and best professional practices. The strength of the relationships between its members is key to the association’s success, and I look forward to helping the group achieve its goals.”