OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MONTANA FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

2026 Pub. 5 Issue 2

Excitement-and-Gratitude-FEATURE

President’s Message: Excitement and Gratitude

It has been a joy to work with Bri Mulvaney as the MFDA president over the past year. She is an exceptional leader, and I appreciate her friendship and dedication to the association.

— Terri James, Executive Director, MFDA

I am thrilled to host you all in Butte, America, for the 125th MFDA Convention this June 14-16. This event is always a highlight of our year, but this time it feels especially meaningful. Through the strength of our partnerships, particularly with US Alliance and our valued vendor associate members, we have been able to elevate the convention experience in ways that truly add value for each of you. From a professional photographer offering complimentary headshots to several thoughtful enhancements throughout the event, our partnerships have allowed us to create something both memorable and impactful.

Our convention program is equally exciting and enriching. We are honored to feature presentations by John T. Hall, who will share his expertise and perspective on embalming and inspire us to continue to serve well and enthusiastically. John T. Hall’s energy for his work and our industry is contagious. In addition, our panel of speakers will bring diverse insights, experiences and forward-thinking ideas that I know will inspire meaningful conversations throughout the convention.

For those joining us on the course, our golf tournament at Butte Country Club promises to be both enjoyable and challenging. Those who are not golfing are encouraged to join us on a Butte tour, sharing the colorful, rich history of Butte, led by the incomparable historian, Chris Fisk. His storytelling brings this community to life in a way that is both engaging and unforgettable. That same evening, Nick and I are truly honored to welcome you to our home for the opening dinner.

Serving as your 125th president has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am deeply thankful to the association for the opportunity and for the trust you have placed in me. The experiences, relationships and shared purposes we’ve cultivated will stay with me always. Thank you to my business partners, Mikel, TJ and Scott Stevenson, their parents, my husband and my parents for always encouraging me to go one step further.

As I pass the torch, I do so with complete confidence in our incoming president, Rick Walter, and the outstanding leadership team alongside him, including Jim Asper and Chris Holt. Additionally, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge our executive director, Terri James, for the excellent work she has done for us in her first full year in this position. Thank you, Terri, for your support, fresh ideas and unwavering diligence. The MFDA is in excellent hands, and I look forward to seeing the continued growth and success that lies ahead.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to seeing you all at the convention and celebrating everything that makes MFDA so special.

With sincere gratitude,

Bri Mulvaney
President, MFDA

Excitement-and-Gratitude-FEATURE

President’s Message: Excitement and Gratitude

Excitement-and-Gratitude-FEATURE

President’s Message: Excitement and Gratitude

It has been a joy to work with Bri Mulvaney as the MFDA president over the past year. She is an exceptional leader, and I appreciate her friendship and dedication to the association.

— Terri James, Executive Director, MFDA

I am thrilled to host you all in Butte, America, for the 125th MFDA Convention this June 14-16. This event is always a highlight of our year, but this time it feels especially meaningful. Through the strength of our partnerships, particularly with US Alliance and our valued vendor associate members, we have been able to elevate the convention experience in ways that truly add value for each of you. From a professional photographer offering complimentary headshots to several thoughtful enhancements throughout the event, our partnerships have allowed us to create something both memorable and impactful.

Our convention program is equally exciting and enriching. We are honored to feature presentations by John T. Hall, who will share his expertise and perspective on embalming and inspire us to continue to serve well and enthusiastically. John T. Hall’s energy for his work and our industry is contagious. In addition, our panel of speakers will bring diverse insights, experiences and forward-thinking ideas that I know will inspire meaningful conversations throughout the convention.

For those joining us on the course, our golf tournament at Butte Country Club promises to be both enjoyable and challenging. Those who are not golfing are encouraged to join us on a Butte tour, sharing the colorful, rich history of Butte, led by the incomparable historian, Chris Fisk. His storytelling brings this community to life in a way that is both engaging and unforgettable. That same evening, Nick and I are truly honored to welcome you to our home for the opening dinner.

Serving as your 125th president has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am deeply thankful to the association for the opportunity and for the trust you have placed in me. The experiences, relationships and shared purposes we’ve cultivated will stay with me always. Thank you to my business partners, Mikel, TJ and Scott Stevenson, their parents, my husband and my parents for always encouraging me to go one step further.

As I pass the torch, I do so with complete confidence in our incoming president, Rick Walter, and the outstanding leadership team alongside him, including Jim Asper and Chris Holt. Additionally, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge our executive director, Terri James, for the excellent work she has done for us in her first full year in this position. Thank you, Terri, for your support, fresh ideas and unwavering diligence. The MFDA is in excellent hands, and I look forward to seeing the continued growth and success that lies ahead.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to seeing you all at the convention and celebrating everything that makes MFDA so special.

With sincere gratitude,

Bri Mulvaney
President, MFDA