The Independent Funeral Group Welcomes Patricia Hartley as Head Content Creator
Maryville, TN - The Independent Funeral Group, a growing network of independently-owned and -operated funeral homes from across the U.S., has added Patricia Hartley to its administrative team as Head Content Creator.
Hartley has created content to support and inform deathcare professionals for more than seven years as the Managing Editor of Connecting Directors, a leading online publication dedicated to funeral service.
“I’m thrilled to join The Independent Funeral Group team to continue providing practitioners with the information they need to thrive in the communities they serve,” Hartley says. “I worked in the front office of a funeral home during college, and in the process developed a profound respect for the people of this profession that has only grown stronger over the last seven years. I believe it is an honor and a privilege to support them and their families in any way I can, especially as a member of such an incredibly kind and hardworking team.”
That team consists of Executive Director Dr. Brad Kuchnicki, Associate Executive Director Christi Moon Robbins, and Admin & Digital/Media Manager Alex Lewis, all of whom are experienced funeral professionals who believe the future of the industry is in the family firm.
“We’ve long admired Patricia’s ability to tell the stories of funeral service with thoughtfulness, respect, and a genuine appreciation for the people behind the profession,” says Kuchnicki. “Through her work over the years, she’s informed, educated, and given a voice to the deathcare community, and we’re incredibly proud to support her as she continues that work with The Independent Funeral Group.”
Since opening its membership to funeral firms across all 50 states in 2025 and offering members access to group health benefits at negotiated rates in August of this year, The Independent Funeral Group has experienced significant growth and anticipates even more interest in 2027. Hartley’s new role will expand the team’s capacity to provide each of The Group’s member firms with one-on-one support, ongoing continuing education courses, and opportunities to network with others who share the same commitment to remaining independent.
Hartley holds a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing and English and a master’s degree in English from the University of North Alabama in her hometown of Florence, Alabama and a master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a Concentration in Public Relations from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. In addition to her duties at Connecting Directors, her previous experience includes roles in community bank marketing and communications and adjunct instruction in English composition on the university level.
About The Independent Funeral Group
Since 1995, The Independent Funeral Group has worked to support family-owned and operated funeral homes, and now serves as a buying, education, and resource group, committed to preserving independent ownership and strengthening the profession through shared resources and collaboration. Founded by funeral practitioners, for funeral practitioners, The Group champions dignity, service, and community. To learn more about The Independent Funeral Group’s mission, membership criteria, and benefits, visit www.tifg.net, email info@tifg.net, or call (865) 977-0027.
