Lobbying and Lifelines: Maureen Krienen on the NDFA, Retention Issues, and Independent Ownership

In this episode of On the Clock, Tony Russo speaks with Maureen Krienen, a fourth-generation funeral director and candidate for an at-large position on the National Funeral Directors Association Board of Directors. Krienen discusses her transition into ownership of her family’s firm and her motivations for seeking a national leadership role.Professional Background* Experience: Krienen has been a licensed funeral director since 2017.* Current Role: She serves as the president of her family’s funeral firm in Wilmington, Delaware, after purchasing the business from her father at the end of last year.* Local Leadership: She is the immediate past president of the Delaware State Funeral Association, with her term concluding in October.Key Industry Issues* Staffing and Retention: Krienen identifies staffing as the most significant challenge facing the industry. She notes high burnout rates—often within five years—and emphasizes the need for firms to become “ideal employers” by offering better work-life balance and inclusive environments for younger professionals.* Licensure: Regarding the debate over split licensure (separating embalmer and funeral director licenses), Krienen advocates for maintaining high professional and public health standards regardless of the specific license level.* The Value of NFDA: For small, family-owned firms, Krienen describes the NFDA as a “lifeline” and “safety net,” providing essential resources such as legal counsel, standardized forms, and federal advocacy.Advocacy and Engagement* Legislative Action: Krienen shares her experience participating in the NFDA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., where she lobbied representatives on industry-related bills.* National Programs: She highlights the impact of the National Emerging Leadership Program and the Women’s Conference in fostering professional camaraderie and connections. Get full access to On Deathcare at ondeathcare.substack.com/subscribe