In announcing her promotion, Kelder stated, "Althea has proven herself to be a skilled researcher, enthusiastic speaker and knowledgeable resource. In her expanded role, Althea will assume leadership of our advocacy, government relations and member outreach efforts. Althea will most certainly bring the same energy and professionalism to her new position that she has shown since joining our organization six years ago."
Following the announcement Ford noted that she, "looks forward to both maintaining and establishing relationships with the many state legislators, regulators and other key industry stakeholders" as she monitors legislation and reviews regulatory proposals of importance to New Jersey's funeral industry. "I am ready to expand my administrative, governance, and compliance support to the members of the NJSFDA and its affiliated companies."
Ford is a graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University and Vanderbilt University. She completed the New Leaders Council - New Jersey (NLC-NJ) Fellowship Program in 2012 and currently serves on its Executive Board.
The NJSFDA is a not-for-profit trade organization committed to advocating on behalf of its 911 members, the families they serve and the funeral service profession as a whole. Focusing on a multitude of initiatives, the NJSFDA continually ensures that funeral service professionals have a consistent voice in government, and adhere to the federal and state regulations governing funeral service practice. Founded in 1902, the NJSFDA provides funeral-related services and products, continuing education for industry professionals, community outreach programs and funeral pre-funding options to its members and the public.
