The following Presidential Viewpoint article first appeared in the Spring 2026 edition of The Independent magazine. OGR members can read the full magazine now in our Digital Magazine Archive. 

As I reflect on my time serving as President of the International Order of the Golden Rule, I find myself returning to a simple but enduring truth. This profession is built on people who choose to show up again and again with integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility to the families they serve.

That commitment is not abstract. It lives in the quiet moments behind the scenes, in the long days that stretch into evenings, and in the steady presence our members provide when it matters most. It is both humbling and inspiring to witness the consistency and care that define this community.

“What sets OGR apart is not just what we do but how and why we do it.”

Serving in this role has given me a broader view of our membership, and what stands out most is the strength of our shared values. While each of our firms is unique, shaped by our communities, our histories, and our families, we are united by a common standard. We believe in fairness, transparency, and treating every family with dignity. Those principles are not always the easiest path, but they are the right one.

I want to take a moment to recognize and thank the volunteers who give their time, energy, and expertise to OGR. From board service to committee work, your contributions often happen quietly, but they are foundational to everything we accomplish as an organization. OGR does not move forward without your leadership and your willingness to step up.

I also want to thank our members. The strength of OGR is not found in a single program or event, but in the collective commitment of individuals who choose to be part of something larger than themselves. Your engagement, your ideas, and your dedication to serving families with integrity are what make this organization what it is today.

This year has also underscored the importance of connection. In a time when change continues to shape how we operate and communicate, the opportunity to gather, exchange ideas, and learn from one another has never been more important. Whether through our events, conversations with peers, or the simple act of reaching out to a fellow member, these connections strengthen not only our businesses but our ability to serve.

"Progress in our profession does not happen in isolation. It happens together.”

One of the privileges of this position is seeing firsthand how OGR members are leaning into the future while remaining grounded in what has always mattered. There is a willingness to evolve, to question, and to improve without losing sight of the trust families place in us. That balance is not easy to maintain, but it is essential.

I have been especially encouraged by the openness I have seen across our membership to share knowledge and support one another. That spirit of collaboration is not something that can be mandated. It is something that is chosen, and it is one of the defining strengths of OGR.

I have also been reminded that leadership in this profession is not defined by titles or tenure. It is demonstrated in everyday actions, in mentoring the next generation, in supporting colleagues, and in upholding the standards that define who we are. Across OGR, I see that leadership in motion every day.

"Leadership in OGR is not a position. It is a practice.”

As we move through this year, I encourage each of you to remain engaged. Take advantage of the opportunities to connect, to share your perspective, and to contribute to the ongoing conversations shaping our profession. Your voice matters, and your experience strengthens this community.

Looking ahead, there is both challenge and opportunity. The landscape will continue to shift, as it always has. But if there is one thing I am certain of, it is this. OGR is well positioned not just to respond to change, but to lead through it. That confidence comes directly from you, our members, and the standards you uphold every day.

“The future of OGR will be shaped by those willing to stay engaged, ask more of themselves, and lead with purpose.”

It has been an honor to serve in this role and to represent an organization defined by such a strong sense of purpose and professionalism. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me and for the work each of you do to carry our mission forward.

Thank you to every member and every volunteer who continues to invest in OGR. Your commitment ensures that this organization remains strong, relevant, and grounded in the values that have defined it for generations.

Thank you for your continued commitment to OGR and to the families you serve.