July 2017

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Page A32 JULY 2017 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A
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NEWS Association CONTINUED
loss, but a well-deserved respite for him to en-
joy time with his family. We look forward to
the association’s continued success under Nadi-
ra’s guidance, congratulate her on her profes-
sional accomplishments and know that her
progressive leadership will continue to keep the
ICCFA at the forefront of our profession.”
New Co-Chairs for Government and
Legal Affairs Appointed; Irwin W. Shipper
becomes Chairman Emeritus
ICCFA PresidentScott R. Sells, CCFE, has
announced that Irwin W. Shipper, CCE,
the long-time chair of the Government and
Legal Affairs Committee, has been appoint-
ed Chairman Emeritus. “For nearly a quarter
century Irwin has adroitly helmed this im-
portant committee,” Sells stated, “and I can’t
image the committee going forward without
him. Irwin’s leadership has inspired trust and
confidence by all because he has no private
agenda of his own and works for the interests
of all ICCFA members.”
Sells also announced appointment of co-
chairs of the Government and Legal Affairs
Committee: Keenan Knopke and Poul Le-
masters. Knopke is President and CEO,
Curlew Hills Memory Gardens and Fu-
neral Home, PalmHarbor, FL, and has been
active in state and federal legislation for de-
cades. “I am honored to have been selected
to follow ICCFA legend Irwin Shipper as co-
chair of the Government and Legal Affairs
Committee,” Knopke commented.
Co-chair Poul Lemasters is Principal, Le-
masters Consulting, Cincinnati, OH, and
is an attorney and a licensed funeral director
who provides legal and operational support for
all deathcare professionals and providers. “It’s
great to be involved with ICCFA, an associa-
tion that is truly professional and encompasses
all segments of our industry. It is an even great-
er honor to be asked to step in the shoes – or
try to – of Irwin Shipper, who has been an in-
credible chairman on this committee.”
Sells stated, “Today there are a huge num-
ber of issues confronting our members and
affecting the operations of funeral homes,
cemeteries, crematories, and related business-
es. The combined experience of Keenan and
Poul, who have served on the committee for
many years, places the ICCFA is the stron-
gest possible position to advocate for the best
interests of our diverse membership.”
ICCFA Executive Director Robert M. Fells Retires;
Nadira Baddeliyanage named Executive Director
STERLING,VA— With deep gratitude for his leadership and vision, the Board
and staff of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association
(ICCFA) announce the upcoming retirement of its Executive Director andGen-
eral Counsel, Robert M. “Bob” Fells, Esq. Fells will be retiring as Executive Di-
rector effective July 1, 2017, but will continue in his role as General Counsel.
Nadira Baddeliyanage, ICCFA’s Director
of Operations, has been named Executive
Director. Fells’ retirement and the appoint-
ment of Nadira Baddeliyanage to Executive
Director was approved by the ICCFA incom-
ing and outgoing Executive Committees on
April 5, during the association’s 2017 Annual
Convention & Exposition in Nashville, TN.
Fells has worked on behalf of the cemetery
and funeral service profession on legal and
legislative issues since 1975 and joined the
ICCFA staff in 1983. He will continue to
focus on the government relations activities
of the Association including as staff liaison
to the Government and Legal Affairs Com-
mittee, and responding to inquiries from the
news media, government agencies, Congres-
sional offices, and the public. Fells also con-
tinues writing the “Washington Report”
column for ICCFA Magazine and as con-
tributing editor of the ICCFA Wireless, a bi-
weekly electronic newsletter that alerts mem-
bers to legal, regulatory and industry news
affecting their businesses.
In addition, Fells served as President and
General Counsel of the ICCFA Service Bu-
reau, a for-profit subsidiary of the association
which administered the Credit Exchange
Plan, and continues to serve in a volunteer
capacity as Secretary of the ICCFA Educa-
tional Foundation, a tax-exempt charitable
organization. In 2011, Fells was inducted
into the ICCFA Hall of Fame for his contri-
butions to the cemetery, cremation and fu-
neral service profession.
Baddeliyanage has a background in finance
and has worked for the ICCFA since 1996.
Before being appointed Director of Opera-
tions in 2011, she served in a variety of ca-
pacities within the association, where she ac-
quired experience in meetings management,
accounting, advertising and exhibit sales, and
database maintenance.
“On behalf of ICCFA’s entire Board of Direc-
tors and its membership, I would like to recog-
nize Bob for his leadership and insight over the
years and wish him all the best,” said ICCFA
President Scott Sells. “Bob’s retirement is our