NFDA Inspiration Award

Congratulations to Leili McMurrough – the 2024 Inspiration Award Winner!

Leili McMurrough is the president and program director for Worsham College of Mortuary Science and serves as the Chair of the Committee on Accreditation for the American Board of Funeral Service Education. She is an instructor, program administrator, and instructional designer and dedicates herself to the advancement of the funeral service profession. Leili brings a unique blend of expertise to her role, being not only a licensed funeral director and embalmer but also a licensed attorney. This multifaceted background allows her to navigate the intricate legal landscape surrounding the funeral service industry with exceptional skill and insight. As president of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, she exhibits exemplary leadership, steering the institution towards innovation and excellence. She has helped expand the program offering to include an online Associate of Science degree, more than tripling enrollments. Her commitment to fostering a supportive, holistic learning environment has greatly contributed to the success of students under her guidance. The programs initiated under her leadership have not only met but exceeded quality standards in funeral service education and higher education outside of mortuary science.

In her role as Chair of the American Board of Funeral Service Education, Leili has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of funeral service education in the United States. Her approach to curriculum improvements and tireless advocacy for the profession have earned her the respect of peers and colleagues across the nation.

Congratulations, Leili!

The National Funeral Directors Association’s Inspiration Award will be conferred annually on an exceptional woman who has made noteworthy professional contributions to funeral service or a related field.

The ideal nominee is an enterprising individual who consistently takes the initiative to elevate the funeral service profession. They serve as a mentor to colleagues. Their energy and independent spirit serve as an example to others. Their efforts result in significant accomplishments at the local, national and/or international level.
 

Criteria

• Open to anyone currently employed in the funeral service profession or a deathcare-related field with a minimum of five years’ experience, working directly with families.
• Is actively involved in community and professional service organizations.
• Is actively involved in efforts to educate the public about the value of meaningful memorialization and/or funeral directors. 
• Is actively involved in professional development activities. 
• Individuals cannot nominate themselves.

Guidelines

1. The NFDA Professional Women’s Conference Inspiration Award is not necessarily an annual award. It will be presented if and when appropriate candidates are nominated and approved by a panel of judges. 
2. Nominations meeting the established criteria will be evaluated by a panel of judges. Decisions of the judges are final.  
3. A standard evaluation form, based on established criteria, will be used to judge each nominee.
4. The nominee who receives the highest evaluation will receive the award, which will be presented during the 2024 NFDA Professional Women’s Conference
5. The nominating party and his or her winning nominee will be informed via email of the results.  Other nominating parties will also be informed via email of the results.