2026-27 NFDA Board of Directors Elections

Chris E. Christian CFSP, CCO
Christian-Sells Funeral Home, Rogersville TN

Campaign Statement:

I am a first generation funeral director and embalmer. I was born and raised in East Tennessee. I worked for a family owned firm that merged with a corporation. After graduating from Mortuary School in 1990, I worked for the same firm until 2000. In 2001 I along with my business partner, opened Christian-Sells Funeral Home. In 2015 we purchased our former firm and turned it into a Venue Center. My friends in the TFDA allowed me the privilege to serve on the board of the TFDA from a director all the way to President. I have served on the Policy Board for the NFDA and was elected by the Policy Board to serve as an At-Large Representative on the Board of Directors of the NFDA. My friends in the NFDA put their trust in me and elected me to serve a Secretary and then as Treasure of the Board of Directors. It is and has always been my ultimate goal to protect our humble profession, have positive proactiveness and stay on top of Advocacy. I am a strong believer that Advocacy is the Life Line in the Death Care Profession. It has been a honor to be apart of the worlds largest funeral association and represent the most caring people in the world. I ask for your vote for the office of President Elect of the NFDA.

Spann Funeral Home
1961 Hwy 48 North
Dickson, TN 37055
spann@guptoncollege.edu
615-347-4955

Steve Spann CFSP, CCO
Spann Funeral Home, Dickson TN

Campaign Statement:

My name is Steve Spann, and I’m from Dickson, Tennessee. It has been an honor to serve on the NFDA Board of Directors for the past three years—two as an at-large representative, one as Secretary and currently as Treasurer. For over 32 years, I’ve been a committed participant in NFDA events and initiatives. Now, I feel called to give back to this great profession by seeking the office of NFDA President-Elect, with the hope of helping to shape the future of funeral service.

Our profession faces complex and evolving challenges: shifting consumer trends, workforce shortages, economic pressures, environmental considerations, and critical legislative developments at the federal level. With almost 50 years in funeral service and 32 years as a funeral service college president, I bring a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the issues we face—along with the experience to help us navigate them effectively.

I am a 1982 graduate of John A. Gupton College with an AA in Mortuary Science, and I also hold a BS from Lipscomb University and an MS from Trevecca University. Since 1994, I’ve had the privilege of serving as President of John A. Gupton College. My wife, Meryl, and I own and operate Spann Funeral Home in Dickson, TN, and Humphreys County Funeral Home in Waverly, TN. We live in Dickson with our daughter, Madison, who graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South and is pursuing her master’s and doctorate at Drew University in New Jersey.

Giving back to the profession and our community has always been a priority. I’ve served as President of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and a longtime member of the American Board of Funeral Service Education, including six years as Chairman of the Committee on Accreditation. I remain active in both the Upper Cumberland and Greater Knoxville Funeral Directors Associations. I am a past President and have served as treasurer for the past five years of the University of Mortuary Science Education Association.

Locally, I’ve been honored to serve as President of the Dickson Rotary Club and the Charlotte Lions Club, a board member of the Dickson Chamber of Commerce, and Chair of the Finance Committee at First Baptist Church of Dickson.

As President-Elect, I will work to ensure sound financial stewardship, transparency, and strategic vision for the NFDA. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote.My name is Steve Spann, and I’m from Dickson, Tennessee. It has been an honor to serve on the NFDA Board of Directors for the past three years—two as an at-large representative, one as Secretary and currently as Treasurer. For over 32 years, I’ve been a committed participant in NFDA events and initiatives. Now, I feel called to give back to this great profession by seeking the office of NFDA President-Elect, with the hope of helping to shape the future of funeral service.

Our profession faces complex and evolving challenges: shifting consumer trends, workforce shortages, economic pressures, environmental considerations, and critical legislative developments at the federal level. With almost 50 years in funeral service and 32 years as a funeral service college president, I bring a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the issues we face—along with the experience to help us navigate them effectively.

I am a 1982 graduate of John A. Gupton College with an AA in Mortuary Science, and I also hold a BS from Lipscomb University and an MS from Trevecca University. Since 1994, I’ve had the privilege of serving as President of John A. Gupton College. My wife, Meryl, and I own and operate Spann Funeral Home in Dickson, TN, and Humphreys County Funeral Home in Waverly, TN. We live in Dickson with our daughter, Madison, who graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South and is pursuing her master’s and doctorate at Drew University in New Jersey.

Giving back to the profession and our community has always been a priority. I’ve served as President of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and a longtime member of the American Board of Funeral Service Education, including six years as Chairman of the Committee on Accreditation. I remain active in both the Upper Cumberland and Greater Knoxville Funeral Directors Associations. I am a past President and have served as treasurer for the past five years of the University of Mortuary Science Education Association.

Locally, I’ve been honored to serve as President of the Dickson Rotary Club and the Charlotte Lions Club, a board member of the Dickson Chamber of Commerce, and Chair of the Finance Committee at First Baptist Church of Dickson.

As President-Elect, I will work to ensure sound financial stewardship, transparency, and strategic vision for the NFDA. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote.My name is Steve Spann, and I’m from Dickson, Tennessee. It has been an honor to serve on the NFDA Board of Directors for the past three years—two as an at-large representative, one as Secretary and currently as Treasurer. For over 32 years, I’ve been a committed participant in NFDA events and initiatives. Now, I feel called to give back to this great profession by seeking the office of NFDA President-Elect, with the hope of helping to shape the future of funeral service.

Our profession faces complex and evolving challenges: shifting consumer trends, workforce shortages, economic pressures, environmental considerations, and critical legislative developments at the federal level. With almost 50 years in funeral service and 32 years as a funeral service college president, I bring a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the issues we face—along with the experience to help us navigate them effectively.

I am a 1982 graduate of John A. Gupton College with an AA in Mortuary Science, and I also hold a BS from Lipscomb University and an MS from Trevecca University. Since 1994, I’ve had the privilege of serving as President of John A. Gupton College. My wife, Meryl, and I own and operate Spann Funeral Home in Dickson, TN, and Humphreys County Funeral Home in Waverly, TN. We live in Dickson with our daughter, Madison, who graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South and is pursuing her master’s and doctorate at Drew University in New Jersey.

Giving back to the profession and our community has always been a priority. I’ve served as President of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and a longtime member of the American Board of Funeral Service Education, including six years as Chairman of the Committee on Accreditation. I remain active in both the Upper Cumberland and Greater Knoxville Funeral Directors Associations. I am a past President and have served as treasurer for the past five years of the University of Mortuary Science Education Association.

Locally, I’ve been honored to serve as President of the Dickson Rotary Club and the Charlotte Lions Club, a board member of the Dickson Chamber of Commerce, and Chair of the Finance Committee at First Baptist Church of Dickson.

As President-Elect, I will work to ensure sound financial stewardship, transparency, and strategic vision for the NFDA. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote.

Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory
306 Westview Dr
Villa Rica, GA 30180
ellen-nfda@jones-wynn.net
770-459-3694

Ellen Wynn McBrayer, CFSP, CPC, CCO
Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory, Villa Rica, Georgia

Campaign Statement:

Ellen Wynn McBrayer is the President and CFO of Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory in Villa Rica and Douglasville, Georgia, as well as their cemetery, Meadowbrook Memory Gardens in Villa Rica. Here is her story:

Yes, Ellen Wynn McBrayer’s family story is unique. A three-generation funeral home that was started in 1950, Jones-Wynn Funeral Home and Crematory has been home to three generations of husband-and-wife teams, all of whom were licensed funeral directors and embalmers.

Ellen Wynn McBrayer graduated from high school in 1998 and later from Auburn University in 2002. While in college, her father died suddenly at age 49, marking a pivotal moment in her life that led Ellen to begin her journey in funeral service.

Ellen wrote her own program and requested to complete a co-op program/internship at their funeral home for her final college credit. At that time, the funeral service profession was at a crossroads. Ellen drew upon her pain, her belief in hard work, her funeral service experience, and her education to qualify herself for the challenge. Reflecting on her journey, Ellen shared, “Something that is truly meaningful is always invaluable. When it comes to grief, I want to present my final college proposal—a plan that not only our funeral home but others can use to help families create the greatest love story of one’s life in a way that brings years of value to those left behind.”

Ellen respectfully reflects on the process, though not the specific details involving Auburn University’s administration. They were respectful, listened, and were fair, tough, and stern, making decisions with great care. The process was involved, and each department leader kept referring Ellen to someone higher up. Looking back, Ellen admires how the administration worked as a team. However, as a small-town blonde girl from Villa Rica, she admits being terrified at the time. Nevertheless, Ellen stayed on her mission, pitching her funeral intern marketing plan for her funeral marketing class. Her vision was to complete this final course as an intern while transforming funeral service in her hometown.

Ellen encountered repeated rejections but eventually found herself in front of the top decision-maker. He was impressed with her concepts and vision and ultimately approved her proposal—with the condition that she could not discuss it on campus at that time. The result of Ellen’s journey was a shift toward personalizing and customizing funeral services. Families were given options to celebrate a life, moving away from cookie-cutter funerals. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home introduced video tributes (on VHS at the time) and pictures on memorial folders as keepsakes for attendees. For example, at a service for a musician, guests were given a guitar pick to remember their loved one.

After graduating from Auburn, Ellen continued her education at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service and rejoined her family business. She became the third-generation funeral director/embalmer, working alongside her husband at Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory and Meadowbrook Memory Gardens.

In 2010, Ellen stepped back from her role as a lead funeral director to focus on saving their second-born child. During this time, she worked remotely as the companies’ comptroller and CFO, gaining valuable leadership experience and becoming a well-rounded funeral service professional. By 2018, Ellen became President of the companies, leading her team through a period of rebuilding and returning to the basics of serving families.

Serenity Funeral Home
414 Telfair St
Dublin, GA 31021
carltonmayejr@gmail.com
Phone: 478-272-2610

Carlton Maye, Jr., MBA, CFSP, CCO
Serenity Funeral Home, Dublin GA

My name is Carlton Maye, Jr. and I am honored to seek election as Secretary of the National Funeral Directors Association.

Since completing mortuary school in 2007, I have served the death care profession with unwavering commitment. To me, funeral service is more than a profession—it is a ministry. A calling to support families, provide closure, and serve with compassion, integrity, and purpose. That responsibility is one I carry with deep respect.

As a first-generation funeral director, my journey has been shaped by perseverance, growth, and a passion to serve. I understand the responsibility of honoring our profession’s legacy while helping shape its future. Serving with purpose is not only possible - it is essential. It is how we strengthen our Association, elevate our profession, and prepare the next generation of leaders.

Over the past two years, it has been my privilege to serve as your At-Large Representative. This experience has given me a strong understanding of NFDA’s mission, governance, and most importantly its members. It has reinforced my desire to continue serving in a greater leadership role and to contribute meaningfully to the Association’s continued success.

While serving on the Board of Directors, I have contributed through the Headquarters Operations Committee, Audit Task Force, Budget Task Force, Spokesperson Team and as Liaison to the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.

Beyond NFDA, I am actively involved in state and local professional organizations, including the Georgia Funeral Directors Association, the Academy of Graduate Embalmers of Georgia, the International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association, the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and the Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association, where I serve as Sixth District Chairman. I also serve as GFSPA Education and Research Director.

At the core of my candidacy is one guiding principle: purpose-driven leadership. I lead with intention, collaboration, and service—qualities I believe are critical as NFDA navigates a rapidly changing professional landscape.

Education is central to my purpose. As an instructor and clinician at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, I witness firsthand how education empowers professionals, strengthens our industry, and builds confidence for the future. Education is not just about credentials—it is about competence, adaptability, and growth.

Our profession is evolving, and NFDA must continue to lead with vision. Staying relevant—embracing innovation, understanding emerging trends, and meeting families where they are—requires intentional leadership and a willingness to grow together.

Above all, I believe leadership is about service. It is not defined by title, but by listening, showing up, and leading with integrity and heart.

If elected Secretary, I will focus on three key priorities:

Strengthening education and improving how information is shared with members

Ensuring NFDA continues to evolve while remaining grounded in our core values

Leading with purpose to prepare and empower the next generation of NFDA leaders

These priorities reflect both where we are today and where we must go together.

Thank you for your trust, confidence, and support. I would be honored to continue serving the National Funeral Directors Association—with purpose.

Jones and Son Funeral Home
PO Box 449
Richton, MS 39476
jonesandsonfh@aol.com
Phone: 601-788-6000

Ladd Pulliam, CFSP
Jones and Son Funeral Home, Richton MS

I am honored to submit my name for consideration for the position of Secretary of the National Funeral Directors Association. NFDA has played a vital role in supporting funeral professionals across the country, and I am deeply committed to its continued strength, growth, and representation of all facets of funeral service.

I currently serve as an At-Large Member of the Board of Directors, a role I have held for the past two years. During this time, I have gained valuable insight into the operations, responsibilities, and long-term vision of the association. I have also had the privilege of serving NFDA as a Policy Board Representative and as a State Representative, experiences that strengthened my understanding of governance, advocacy, and the importance of clear communication between leadership and membership.

At the state level, I have served two separate terms as President of the Mississippi Funeral Directors Association and remain actively involved in advocacy efforts on behalf of funeral service. These roles have reinforced the importance of strong organization, accountability, and thoughtful leadership—qualities essential to the Secretary position.

I bring a strong work ethic, a devoted leadership style, and a collaborative approach to everything I do. I am a listener and a team player who values diverse perspectives and understands that the best decisions are made when all voices are heard. As Secretary, I would be committed to ensuring accurate records, clear documentation, and effective communication that supports transparency and continuity for the Board and the association as a whole.

My interest in serving in this role is rooted in a desire to see NFDA continue to grow while remaining grounded in the fundamentals that built our profession. As funeral service evolves, it is critical that NFDA represents not only modern innovations, but also the traditions, values, and core principles that have long defined our work. I am particularly passionate about growing and strengthening membership by ensuring that all funeral professionals feel seen, supported, and represented.

If elected Secretary, I will serve with integrity, dedication, and respect for the responsibilities of this office. I am committed to the betterment of NFDA and to working alongside my fellow board members to ensure a strong, inclusive, and effective association for years to come. Thank you for your consideration.