National Mortuary Shipping and Cremation (NMS) is excited to announce the promotion of Kahlen M. Knapik to Vice President. This promotion reflects Kahlen’s steadfast devotion to the funeral industry and his wide-ranging impact on NMS, where he has been essential in building and fostering partnerships with funeral directors and industry professionals across the country. In his new role, Kahlen will work closely with Angie Berwald, President and CEO, to guide the future growth of NMS and build on the company’s reputation for excellence in the industry.
Kahlen has been with NMS since 2001, when he began his career as a runner and crematory operator. During this time, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in business and went on to earn his mortuary science degree from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, graduating
summa cum laude and earning the prestigious Mu Sigma Alpha award, a recognition designated by the National Association of Colleges of Mortuary Science.
Throughout his 20-year career at NMS, Kahlen has worked in many different areas of the company and held roles such as shipping specialist, business development manager, embalmer, and AIC funeral director. He is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the state of Ohio and a member of many industry organizations. He currently serves on the convention committee of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association.
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I am honored and really excited for this opportunity, and I hope I can do as much for NMS and the funeral industry as it has done for me,” Kahlen stated. “
I am truly blessed to be part of the NMS family, and I look forward to continuing the NMS tradition of helping hometown funeral directors from around the world with out-of-town deaths.”