Cheshire Funeral Home Director Becomes President of National Funeral Directors Association

Dan Ford discusses industry changes and the importance of having tough conversations about end-of-life planning.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Dan Ford, a funeral home director from Cheshire, Connecticut, has been named the new president of the National Funeral Directors Association. In an interview with Dennis House on This Week in Connecticut, Ford discussed the evolving funeral industry and the need for families to have open discussions about end-of-life planning.

Why it matters

The funeral industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with shifts in consumer preferences and the rise of alternative burial options. Ford's new role as head of the national association puts him in a position to guide the industry through these transformations and advocate for the importance of advance planning.

The details

As the new president of the National Funeral Directors Association, Dan Ford will be responsible for representing the interests of funeral home directors across the country. In his interview, Ford emphasized the need for families to have difficult conversations about funerals and end-of-life wishes, in order to ensure their loved ones' preferences are honored.

  • Dan Ford was named president of the National Funeral Directors Association in February 2026.

The players

Dan Ford

A funeral home director from Cheshire, Connecticut, who was recently named the president of the National Funeral Directors Association.

National Funeral Directors Association

The leading trade association for funeral home directors in the United States, representing the interests of the funeral industry.

Dennis House

A television journalist who interviewed Dan Ford on This Week in Connecticut.

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What they’re saying

“Talking about funerals can be a tough discussion with your loved ones, but a necessary one”

— Dan Ford, Funeral Home Director and President of the National Funeral Directors Association (This Week in Connecticut)

What’s next

Ford's tenure as president of the National Funeral Directors Association will likely involve advocating for industry changes and promoting the importance of advance planning for end-of-life arrangements.

The takeaway

As the funeral industry evolves, the new leadership of the National Funeral Directors Association will play a crucial role in guiding the industry and encouraging families to have open conversations about their end-of-life wishes, ensuring their preferences are honored.