An Associate Professor of Mortuary Science at Carl Sandburg College was recently installed as the 2021-2022 president of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association’s Board of Directors.
Matt Kendall, who has been serving in the IFDA for more than 13 years, was installed as the organization’s 132nd president during its annual meeting held over the summer in Springfield. “It is a great honor for me to be able to serve the funeral service community as president of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, one of the oldest funeral associations in the United States,” Kendall said.
“IFDA enables practitioners to have a voice in the shaping of funeral service in Illinois, ensuring that we have a strong profession for future funeral directors to enter. I am proud to be part of that tradition, not only as the current president of IFDA, but also as a professor of mortuary science at Carl Sandburg College.”
Founded in 1881, the IFDA advocates for the advancement of the funeral service industry and the success of its members. Over 315 funeral homes and 1,300 funeral directors and embalmers in the state are members.
Kendall is about to start his 18th year teaching at Sandburg. He previously served on the association’s board of directors in multiple capacities, including vice president, secretary-treasurer, and Region Two director. He has also been part of the IFDA’s Licensure and Education Committee; Legislative Committee; Education Committee; Advocate Committee; and Marketing, Membership and Technology Committee.
Carl Sandburg College’s mortuary science program is a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree that also has an accelerated program option. Students receive instruction in all phases of the industry through a curriculum based upon American Board of Funeral Service Education guidelines
