Staff List

CANA is a 110+ year-old startup with a nimble, responsive, fast-paced culture. The office environment is quiet to promote thoughtful work and concentration, with an open-door atmosphere to facilitate collaboration. Each of the current staff members are valued and form a strong team. Their individual backgrounds, education and experiences strengthen the association.

We're Hiring!

CANA is hiring for the role of Education Coordinator. This position is designed to serve as the primary point of contact for all education and event-related activities that provide professional development to more than 2,000 funeral professionals, cemeterians, cremationists and others across the continent each year, as well as provide administrative support to the association. Download the full job description here.

To apply, send your cover letter and resume to [email protected], or apply through the postings on Idealist or Association Forum. No calls, please.

Barbara Kemmis, CAE
Executive Director
[email protected]

Barbara Kemmis is Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America where she promotes all things cremation through member programs, education and strategic partnerships. After more than 20 years of experience in association leadership, Barbara knows that bringing people together to advance common goals is not only fun, but the most effective strategy to get things done.

Barbara has served two prior professions as the Director of Member Services at the American Theological Library Association and Vice President of Library and Nonprofit Services at the Donors Forum (now Forefront). Barbara earned a master’s degree in library science from Dominican University, a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from North Park University and a B.A. from Earlham College.

Brianna "Brie" Bingham
Membership & Marketing Manager
[email protected]

Brianna "Brie" Bingham joined the CANA staff in 2015 as Membership Coordinator with little experience in associations of funeral service. Now, she is a proud Certified Funeral Celebrant, CANA Certified Crematory Operator, and continues to grow her knowledge of the profession and her role in CANA. Brie coordinates CANA's blog, The Cremation Logs, manages member benefits, and that things keep working behind the scenes so CANA Members can stay focused on their business and their communities.

Sara Corkery
Communications Manager
[email protected]

Sara Corkery is a writer, editor, photographer, and graphic designer. She joined the CANA staff in 2012.

Denise Costello
Advertising and Exhibits Coordinator
[email protected]

Denise joined the CANA staff in 2015 and is the Advertising and Exhibit Coordinator for the association. Denise came to CANA with over 20 years of experience in the advertising and promotional industry. She works with both Supplier members and non- members to help them promote their business within CANA thru all of our advertising opportunities as well as association event exposure.

Denise holds her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Political Science and is a proud alumni and Advisory Board member for Worsham College of Mortuary Science.

Mimi Korcak
Education Coordinator
[email protected]

As CANA’s Education Coordinator, Mimi brings experience in meeting and course planning. She comes to CANA with an arts background in ballet and music. She moved to Chicago and started her second career in the administrative area working with company presidents. Because of her event planning skills, she was recruited to join a medical association to work as an education and meetings coordinator. She has experience setting up live education courses and conventions as well as on-site coordination. Mimi is looking forward to meeting and working with our CANA members.

Abby Krause
Education Coordinator
[email protected]

Abby brings a wealth of experience from her background as a former teacher to her role as Education Coordinator at CANA. Drawing on her classroom experience, Abby now works directly with members to enhance educational outcomes and support professional development for members. Her transition from teaching to CANA reflects her dedication to helping people grow their knowledge and experience at all levels. Abby’s expertise ensures a smooth and supportive enrollment experience, facilitating access to CANA’s professional cremation curriculum and resources.

Mandy McGee
Membership and Communications Coordinator
[email protected]

Mandy McGee joined CANA’s team as Membership and Communications Coordinator in 2023. With a background in public library management and research, Mandy brings with her a passion for helping others and a knack for collaborative problem solving. She has experience developing programs and policies, supervising people and grants, and fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture. Mandy approaches everything she does with compassionate curiosity, and she is very excited to assist and engage with CANA’s members.

Ted Cumpston
Production Manager
[email protected]

Jason Engler
CANA Historian
[email protected]

Jason Ryan Engler is a licensed funeral director and is known as the Cremation Historian. His interest in the funeral profession came at an early age in his life and his intrigue with the practice of cremation memorialization has put him on a journey of appreciating the beauty of the torch over the spade. Not only is Jason a practicing funeral director, he is also a speaker for local, state, and national associations. He also serves as the Cremation Historian for both the National Museum of Funeral History and the Cremation Association of North America. Mr. Engler’s articles have appeared in regional and national funeral and cremation trade journals including “The Dead Beat,” “The Cremationist of North America,” and “Funeral Business Advisor.” Additionally, he is author of the book "Body to the Purifying Flame: A History of the Missouri Crematory, St. Louis, Missouri."

Staff List

We're Hiring!

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