Complete Story
03/12/2026
Tri-State Leadership Academy
Dear Friends and Colleagues –
I hope my correspondence finds you well and your 2026 to be most enjoyable. The reason for this letter is to share with you an exciting collaboration that is occurring with our friends at the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and the Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky.
A little over three years ago, conversations began about collaborative opportunities for our state associations to better serve licensees. With time being the most precious commodity and with a delicate labor pool, getting time to meet regulatory licensure obligations while serving our communities has become challenging.
While several areas were identified as potential opportunities, developing the licensed funeral director was a focused priority. I think we all can agree that this fast-paced world is ever evolving, and licensee skill development needs to be as well. The result of these conversations is the Tri-State Leadership Academy led by Indiana’s very own Tom Sproles.
The academy is a 6-month sojourn through a variety of leadership-driven topics offered by the best minds in modern day funeral service. Three (3) meeting will be in-person; Three (3) meetings will be virtual. At the conclusion of the program, graduates will be provided registration to and recognized at their respective state’s annual convention in 2027. Continuing education hours will be awarded for participation as well.
Funeral service now more than ever needs strong committed leaders to face the future! I would ask you to consider being a part of this inaugural class of the Tri-State Leadership Academy. Scholarship opportunities exist through the Indiana Funeral Education Foundation. If you have any questions, I am available andy@infda.org or 317-473-3186.
With great appreciation and gratitude for all you do,
Andy Clayton, Executive Director
