The International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association Educational Foundation announced in a news release that Jay D. Dodds has been chosen as the winner of its 2025 Lasting Impact Award.
His exemplary leadership, decades of service to the funeral and cemetery profession, and tireless commitment to serving families with compassion and integrity make him a distinguished candidate for this prestigious honor, according to a news release.
With more than 40 years of experience in the funeral and cemetery profession, Dodds has held pivotal roles in shaping the profession’s future. Currently serving as chief strategy officer of Park Lawn Corp., he has been a driving force behind some of the country’s most successful funeral service organizations. His leadership at PLC and in prior roles has given him extensive experience managing funeral and cemetery businesses in the U.S. and Canada.
A licensed funeral director and embalmer in Texas and New Mexico and a certified cremation operator, Dodds has been at the forefront of setting standards for funeral service operations. As the founder, former president, and chief operating officer of Signature Group, he introduced innovative business practices that improved operations and maintained the compassionate care essential to the profession.
“Beyond his business acumen, Mr. Dodds has been a dedicated advocate for the funeral profession. His service includes leadership roles such as past president of the ICCFA, trustee emeritus for both the Funeral Service Foundation and the Educational Foundation, and a Pierce Mortuary Colleges board member. Through these roles, Jay has significantly contributed to advocating for best practices and ensuring the future growth of the profession through education,” said Gino Merendino, president of the ICCFA Educational Foundation.
Jay’s leadership during his two terms as ICCFA president, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplifies his commitment to the profession. He endorsed the creation of a Disaster Management Committee, a multidisciplinary team that tackled travel concerns, committal services, and employee safety during the pandemic. His leadership ensured that funeral service providers could continue to serve families with dignity and respect while establishing safety standards that would have a lasting impact on the profession.
Under his guidance, the ICCFA continued its operations and expanded its outreach, providing invaluable legislative guidance, professional resources, and numerous online educational opportunities. His efforts were instrumental in growing the association’s membership to more than 10,000 members, a remarkable achievement during such challenging times.
In naming Dodds as the winner of the Lasting Impact Award, the ICCFA Educational Foundation recognizes a career of excellence, compassion, and leadership. His tireless efforts have shaped the profession, and his mentorship has paved the way for future professional leaders.
Dodds will be honored with the award at the President’s Welcome Banquet on April 30th at the 2025 ICCFA Experience at the Mandalay Bay & Casino in Las Vegas.
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