The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) installed Christopher B. Miller on May 3rd as the organization’s new president. Miller is the owner of Thomas Miller Mortuary & Crematory with locations in Corona and Riverside California.

A second-generation funeral director, Miller began working in the family business as a teenager. After graduating high school, Miller left the family business to attend the California Polytechnic University of Pomona. He graduated in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Restaurant Management and worked in corporate management for the food service industry. Wanting to return to the family business, Miller received a Mortuary Science degree in 1992 from the Mortuary Science Program at Cypress College, also receiving the highest honor from the program, the Melvin Hilgenfeld Award.

As the funeral industry experiences rapid transformations, Miller is eager to guide OGR and its members toward excellence in serving families. Recognizing that consumer expectations and preferences are evolving at an unprecedented pace, Miller sees tremendous opportunity in embracing innovation and embracing the changing landscape of funeral services.

“In an era where personalization, inclusivity, and compassion are paramount, I’m committed to equipping OGR members with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate these shifting dynamics,” said Miller.  By staying at the forefront of industry trends and advancements, OGR will continue to lead the funeral profession, ensuring its members can provide unparalleled support to grieving families today and in the years to come.”

As part of this transition, Paul Hummel III, Hummel Funeral Homes (Akron, OH), assumed the role of Past President.  Jamie Wieting, Wieting Family Funeral Services (Chilton, WI) was installed as Vice President. Kim Hunter, Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles-Newbigging Chapel (Toronto, Ontario), was installed as Secretary/Treasurer.

The ceremony also included the re-installation of board members Peter Urban Jr., Anton B. Urban Funeral Home (Ambler, PA), S. Chase Lewis, Lewis Funeral Home (Pace, FL), and Geri Oliverie, Oliverie Funeral Home (Manchester, NJ).

The board also welcomed Larnique Mickens, Heritage Mortuary, Inc. (Las Vegas, NV) for her first term on the OGR board.