Cecil funeral director graduates national leadership program
A funeral director from Cecil Township has graduated from a nationally recognized leadership course.
Katlyn Taueetia, owner and licensed funeral director of Coleman-Taylor Funeral Service, was among the 17 graduates of the National Emerging Leaders Program 2025-26 class offered by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), a professional association that represents over 11,000 global funeral homes and 20,000 members.
The program is “designed to give talented funeral directors the tools, support and opportunities they need to succeed. The goal of the program is to attract, develop and retain transformational leaders,” according to the NFDA.
The 14-month program began with an in-person meeting at NFDA headquarters in Brookfield, Wisconsin, followed by regular seminars on professional development, education and discussions focused on leadership and the future of the funeral service industry.
The class met for the final time for a graduation ceremony NFDA Leadership Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, from Aug. 2-5.
“Seventeen of us walked into this program as strangers, and we left as people who can call one another for advice, encouragement, a different perspective or even just someone who understands this profession,” Taueetia said in a statement. “I’m incredibly grateful for what I learned, but the relationships we built are something I’ll carry with me throughout my career.”
Taueetia said that continuing education and professional involvement are priorities she plans to carry back to her work in Cecil Township.
“I never want to become someone who believes there is nothing left to learn,” she said. “Funeral service continues to evolve, and families deserve professionals who are willing to evolve with it. Every opportunity I have to learn from people throughout this profession ultimately helps me better serve families here at home.”
Taueetia purchased Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services from her father, John Taylor, in early 2025, becoming the second generation of the Taylor family to operate the Cecil Township funeral home.
Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services was established in 1936 and is celebrating 90 years of service in 2026.
Taueetia also serves as president of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association and as a trustee of the Allegheny County Funeral Directors Association.
“As her dad, and the former owner of Coleman-Taylor, I’m obviously proud of her, but I also think it’s pretty special to see someone from our local community represented in a national program like this and bringing those experiences back home,” said John Taylor in a statement.
According to Taueetia, this was an opportunity she “will never take for granted.”
“I came home from Louisville grateful, inspired and even more committed to giving back to the profession and the community that have given so much to me,” she said.