At its 2025 NextGen Seminar, Selected Independent Funeral Homes named Megan Comer of Alhiser-Comer Mortuary in Escondido, Calif. as the NextGen Professional of the Year. The Professional of the Year Award highlights career achievements and community involvement of funeral professionals under the age of 50.
Megan didn’t choose funeral service. The profession chose her. . . .
It was 2012. Megan had just completed her degree in organizational leadership and management and was beginning a master’s degree in counseling when her father, Stuart Comer, became ill. He asked her to take over management of Alhiser-Comer Mortuary’s operations in his absence.
Megan never would have seen herself following her father’s and grandfather’s career path, much less working in the family business. But on that day, she knew she had to step in to help. She hasn’t looked back since and is still reaping the rewards of her decision, more than a decade later.
Alhiser-Comer Mortuary is Escondido’s oldest operating business. Megan has taken it to another level by refreshing it with contemporary aesthetics, a relationship-based family service model and an accommodating online presence. Through these efforts, the firm’s call volume has nearly tripled in the past 10 years.
Megan and her team show no signs of slowing down. Their community has recognized their outstanding impact with several awards:
- 2023 – California Funeral Director of the Year – California Funeral Directors Association
- 2023 – Top 10 Small Business of the Year for District 40 Award
- 2023 – Leadership Award – North San Diego Business Chamber
- 2023 – Small Business of the Year – North San Diego Business Chamber
- 2023 – Top 40 Business Leaders Under 40 – San Diego Business Journal
- 2022–2023 – Rookie Board Member of the Year – Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego
- 2022 – Finalist, Business Woman of the Year – San Diego Business Journal
- 2021, 2022 – Finalist, 40 Top Business Leaders Under 40 – San Diego Business Journal
- 2021 – Woman of Distinction – San Diego Woman Magazine
- 2021 – 40 Under 40 – San Diego Metro Magazine
- 2017 – Small Business of the Year – Escondido Chamber of Commerce
This success has not been without hardships. In 2016, three weeks after the birth of Megan’s son, a car crashed through her firm’s prep room, leading to an arduous, five-year journey of updates and repairs.
In July of 2018, Megan’s father passed away, leaving Megan as the owner and manager. Then in October 2018, the firm’s crematory caught on fire. Difficult as it was to recover from back-to-back losses, Megan demonstrated resilience and remained committed to her community and team. She considers herself a stronger leader because of these experiences.
The unique challenges Megan has faced have given her a platform to mentor other female funeral service professionals. She loves sharing the tools they need to succeed in a lifetime funeral service career. This includes a collaboration with the Selected Educational Trust to establish a scholarship in her father’s memory.
Megan says, “We are here to serve people. To meet them where they are, financially, emotionally, mentally and physically. To be a bright light for them in a dark time.” She lives out this vocational mission statement through service in several local, national and international organizations, including the following:
- Boy & Girls Club of Greater San Diego
- California Funeral Directors Association
- Escondido Chamber of Commerce
- National Funeral Directors Association
- North San Diego Business Chamber
- Selected Independent Funeral Homes
With many commitments to her firm and community, Megan still finds value investing in Selected’s various programs and events. She developed her leadership skills through the Selected Leadership Academy, graduating with her COVID Crusaders class in 2022. She is also involved in Selected’s Membership Task Force and has attended several Selected events.
In Megan’s office hangs a Mother Theresa quote, “Do small things with great love.” This proverb has both inspired her achievements and her acts of service. It has been a guiding light in her efforts to serve families where they are.
For her compassion and leadership, her service and resilience, we are proud to recognize Megan Comer as our 2025 NextGen Professional of the Year.
About the NextGen Community: Selected Independent Funeral Homes created the NextGen Community to develop young funeral professionals as well as assist those new to the profession. The NextGen Seminar, held annually, offers educational and networking sessions for participants.
About Selected Independent Funeral Homes: Selected Independent Funeral Homes delivers innovative and pertinent resources, solutions and ongoing support necessary for enduring excellence to its international network of independently owned death care providers who aspire to be the very best in their profession. Members of Selected operate according to specific standards and best practices to provide the public with reliable, high-quality funeral services and funeral-related information.
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