Members: Funeral and Cemetery Board

Interested in serving on the Funeral and Cemetery Board?

The Funeral and Cemetery Board is currently recruiting for a public member. The public member isn’t expected to become an expert in the industry, but should bring the general public perspective to the board. If you’re interested in applying for a position on the board, please visit the Governor’s website at http://www.governor.wa.gov/boards.

What does the board do?

  • Licenses funeral directors, embalmers, and cemetery operators within the state.
  • Investigates violations of state regulations related to the funeral and cemetery industry.
  • Recommends rules and regulations for administering licensing and regulatory laws.

Who is on the board?

The board consists of 7 members:

  • 3 licensed funeral directors or embalmers who:
    • Are residents of Washington State.
    • Have been continuously engaged as funeral directors or embalmers for the last 5 years.
  • 3 members who:
    • Are residents of Washington State.
    • Have actively administered a cemetery authority or been a member of the board of directors of a cemetery authority for the last 5 years.
  • 1 member of the general public who:
    • Is a resident of Washington State.
    • Hasn’t worked in or received financial benefit from the funeral and cemetery industry.

How much of a time commitment is serving on the board?

Board members may serve up to two 4-year terms. The board meets about 4 times a year, including meetings at colleges with funeral director and/or embalmer degree programs. Members may also choose to attend outreach events or conferences. Travel expenses are reimbursable and members are eligible to receive up to $50/day when conducting board business.

For more information

Current board members

  • Hank G. Kerns, Chair
    Bellevue, WA 98007
    Term expires: July 1, 2014
  • Gary L. Clark, Vice Chair
    Spokane, WA 99805
    Term expires: July 1, 2014
  • Richard L. Knautz
    Yakima, WA 98909
    Term expires: July 1, 2012
  • Ronald R. Messenger
    University Place, WA 98466
    Term expires: July 1, 2015
  • Jim Letson
    Edmonds, WA 98020
    Term expires: July 1, 2015
  • Lydia M. Webb
    Yakima, WA 98901
    Term expires: July 1, 2016
  • Jeffrey Wilson
    East Wenatchee, WA 98802
    Term expires: July 1, 2016

Contact information

To contact board members, please email funerals@dol.wa.gov.

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