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NFDA President-elect

The NFDA President-elect serves for one year on the Board of Directors, assists with the duties of the President, and assumes the responsibility of leading the association in the absence of the President. The President-elect is elected each year by plurality vote of NFDA firm and individual members.

Your 2026-2027 President-elect Candidate:

Steve Spann, CFSP, CCO

Steve Spann Spann Funeral Home
1961 Hwy 48 North
Dickson, TN 37055
spann@guptoncollege.edu
615-347-4955

Campaign Statement

My name is Steve Spann, and I’m from Dickson, Tennessee. It has been an honor to serve on the NFDA Board of Directors for the past three years—two as an at-large representative, one as Secretary and currently as Treasurer. For over 32 years, I’ve been a committed participant in NFDA events and initiatives. Now, I feel called to give back to this great profession by seeking the office of NFDA President-Elect, with the hope of helping to shape the future of funeral service.

Our profession faces complex and evolving challenges: shifting consumer trends, workforce shortages, economic pressures, environmental considerations, and critical legislative developments at the federal level. With almost 50 years in funeral service and 32 years as a funeral service college president, I bring a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the issues we face—along with the experience to help us navigate them effectively.

I am a 1982 graduate of John A. Gupton College with an AA in Mortuary Science, and I also hold a BS from Lipscomb University and an MS from Trevecca University. Since 1994, I’ve had the privilege of serving as President of John A. Gupton College. My wife, Meryl, and I own and operate Spann Funeral Home in Dickson, TN, and Humphreys County Funeral Home in Waverly, TN. We live in Dickson with our daughter, Madison, who graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South and is pursuing her master’s and doctorate at Drew University in New Jersey.

Giving back to the profession and our community has always been a priority. I’ve served as President of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and a longtime member of the American Board of Funeral Service Education, including six years as Chairman of the Committee on Accreditation. I remain active in both the Upper Cumberland and Greater Knoxville Funeral Directors Associations. I am a past President and have served as treasurer for the past five years of the University of Mortuary Science Education Association.

Locally, I’ve been honored to serve as President of the Dickson Rotary Club and the Charlotte Lions Club, a board member of the Dickson Chamber of Commerce, and Chair of the Finance Committee at First Baptist Church of Dickson.

As President-Elect, I will work to ensure sound financial stewardship, transparency, and strategic vision for the NFDA. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote.

Steven Spann video