Selected Educational Trust Announces New Appointments to the Board of Trustees

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL — October 10, 2024— Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Trustees.

Tiffany Pape Hofer is a first-generation funeral director and owner of Luce, Luze, & Reck Funeral Homes, with four locations in South Dakota. Pape Hofer has been an active supporter of the Trust for more than ten years and was integral in initiating policy changes to the Trust’s Second-Career Scholarship program earlier this year. "I am honored to join the Board of Trustees,” said Pape Hofer. “The Trust's vital work has a profound impact on the future of funeral service, and being a part of this makes me exceptionally proud."

Courtney Gould Miller is the Chief Customer Officer at Tribute Technology, focusing on providing high-quality customer experience journeys for funeral directors and families, along with leading the company's sales and marketing teams. Gould Miller is a frequent author and speaker in the deathcare and end-of-life industries. Tribute Technology has shown ongoing support of the Trust, including funding matching gift challenges in 2022 and 2024, helping to raise a combined $72,000. “For me, it's all about giving back to this profession that has given so much to me and countless others,” said Gould Miller. “I'm passionate about helping funeral professionals grow and succeed, and I look forward to working with the Trust to create meaningful learning opportunities that will support our profession for the future.”

Trustees serve 3-year terms and work to guide the programming and fundraising efforts of the Trust. “We are honored to welcome Tiffany and Courtney to our Board of Trustees during this pivotal moment for our organization,” said Stefanie Favia, the Trust’s Executive Director. “Their diverse expertise and innovative insights will be invaluable as we advance our mission of promoting lifelong learning in independent funeral service and navigate the challenges ahead.”

For more information about the Selected Educational Trust, visit www.selectedtrust.org or contact Stefanie Favia at stefanie@selectedtrust.org.

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About the Selected Educational Trust The mission of the Selected Educational Trust (www.selectedtrust.org) is to provide the best educational opportunities for the advancement and support of all who work within the independent funeral service profession. To fulfill this mission, the Trust provides programs which offer scholarships to mortuary science students and funeral service professionals, online education through its Institute for Exceptional Funeral Service powered by National Guardian Life Insurance Company (www.funeral-institute.org) and networking and employment opportunities through its Workforce Development Centers.