Administrative Team

At Pierce Mortuary Colleges, we have an experienced and committed Administrative Team, led by President and CEO, Joe Finocchiaro. Pierce Mortuary Colleges is dedicated to fulfilling and integrating its mission into all aspects of our academic program, campus life, and external relations. Under their combined oversight, the organization retains its sharp focus on academic achievement, administrative excellence, impactful funeral service education, and continued commitment to student success.

Executive Team

Joe Finocchiaro

College President and Chief Executive Officer

While looking for part-time work as a performing artist, Joseph Finocchiaro was introduced to the funeral business by a longtime friend. He quickly developed a passion for it and decided to make a career change. 

After earning both a Bachelor and Masters in Music Performance at the University of South Florida he switched gears and earned an Associate in Science in Funeral Service Education at St. Petersburg College.Years later, he also completed an Executive Juris Doctorate in Law and Technology from Purdue Global Law School. During his time as a musician, he was awarded the Arioso Award for Vocal Achievement at St. Petersburg College, the Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence by the United States Marine Corps, the Merri Fenn Story Opera Award at the University of South Florida, and, was a winner of the 1998 Winter Music Symposium of the Florida Community Colleges Activity Association. He also won the Southern Regional Award for Creativity for an original composition by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. After completing his funeral service education, he continued working at the E. James Reese Funeral Home & Crematory. When the firm was acquired by the Anderson-McQueen family of funeral homes, he stayed with the firm becoming the Funeral Director in Charge of their A Life Tribute-Gulfport chapel until leaving the industry for his first job teaching at Miami Dade College. As a lifelong performer, he found the classroom to be his new stage and after two years, he became coordinator of Funeral Service Education at Miami Dade College and remained in that role until 2023. He has served as both guest lecturer and part time instructor at various mortuary schools throughout the United States. In January 2018, he joined the distance education faculty at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. In August 2023, he was appointed President of the Dallas Institute. In January 2024, he was also appointed Chief Executive Officer and President of Pierce Mortuary Colleges, Inc. He remained in both roles until April 2024 when he stepped down from his role at the Dallas Institute. As an educator he has served as both a lecturer and clinical instructor. He has served as a facilitator for workshops during faculty convocations, faculty in-service days, and educator conferences. Believing in cross-disciplinary collaborations, he assisted a group of plastic surgeons representing a multi-national task force regarding safe and effective treatments regarding gluteal fat injections and was listed as a co-author on the paper. He has served as a military evaluator for the American Council on Education, a chapter editor for several textbooks, and published articles in both state and national publications. In 2013 he finished the requirements to become a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. He holds many industry and educator certifications including Effective Teaching Practices by the Association of College & University Educators, Teaching Online by Quality Matters, Safe Cremation Operator by the Cremation Association of North America, and Cremation Arranger and Crematory Operator by the International Cremation, Cemetery, and Funeral Association. He is also an Apple Certified Teacher. He completed executive training at the Sloan School of Executive Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology regarding business implications for artificial intelligence and is an Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner of IBM. An experienced educator in the field of virtual instruction, he is a certified Apple Teacher and has developed both hybrid and completely virtual courses. He served five years on the Curriculum Committee of the American Board of Funeral Service Education before being elected as Secretary/Treasurer in 2021. In 2023 he was elected to serve as President of the American Board from 2023-2025. Over the last several years he has nurtured a YouTube channel as Professor Fin dedicated to funeral service education and industry commentary reaching an audience across the United States. As an industry professional he is a life member of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and is a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner. He holds memberships with the National Funeral Directors Association, Independent Funeral Directors of Florida, and the Dallas County Funeral Directors Association. He is an honorary member and founding chapter advisor for Pi Sigma Eta Fraternity – Upsilon Psi Chapter. He was also elected to the membership of the British Institute of Embalmers.
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Tyler Wright, MBA

Executive Vice-President & Chief Operating Officer

Tyler Wright is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Pierce Mortuary Colleges, Inc. (PMC), where he has been instrumental since joining in July 2015. 

Specializing in higher education administration and regulation, Tyler is known for his positive attitude and tireless energy, which he uses to motivate his team and drive success. Residing in Oswego, Illinois, Tyler enjoys spending quality time with his spouse, two children, family, and friends.
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Billie Wilson

Vice-President & Chief Human Resources Officer

Billie Wilson is the esteemed Chief People Officer at Pierce Mortuary Colleges, where she spearheads the human resources department with over fifteen years of dedicated expertise in both education and technology sectors. 

As a strategic leader, she orchestrates all HR functions and manages a proficient team, ensuring the seamless implementation of policies and programs that optimize organizational performance and employee satisfaction. Billie is instrumental in driving the company's People Management and Talent Acquisition Strategy, meticulously aligning it with overarching business objectives. Beyond her administrative duties, Billie plays a pivotal role in shaping the company culture, fostering an environment of inclusivity, innovation, and professional growth. Her innovative mindset and proactive approach enable her to develop and execute HR initiatives that not only meet but exceed industry standards, thus propelling Pierce Mortuary Colleges to new heights of success. Billie holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a specialization in Human Resource Management, underscoring her deep understanding of organizational dynamics and strategic HR planning. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and holds a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate, all of which laid the foundation for her career trajectory in the field.
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Ted Hart

Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Edward “Ted” C. Hart is Chief Financial Officer of Pierce Mortuary Colleges, Inc. and has served in that capacity since October, 2022.  Prior to that time, he served as owner and principal of a business advisory and financial consulting practice, working with clients to operate, streamline and integrate operations and execute profitable business operations.
Ted has experience evaluating business valuation and transactions and integrating strategies with business combinations and acquisitions. For nine years he served in senior financial positions at an acquisition-focused manufacturer and distributor of precast concrete and related products and services to the death care industry. Hart has also served as an expert witness, strategy manager and negotiator resolving multimillion-dollar inter carrier compensation disputes with an international telecom company and as Chief Financial Officer of a regional telecommunications provider operating in the Midwest region of the United States. Ted holds a Certified Public Accountant designation from the state of Missouri and practiced as a CPA for eight years in a regional CPA firm in Kansas City.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has provided expert witness testimony  regarding multiple issues in front of taxing authorities and state public utility commissions.
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Staff

Berjamin Beituni

Accounts Payable

Berjamin Beituni is the Accounts Payable Clerk at Pierce Mortuary Colleges since September 2019. She has years of experience working in the accounting, education, and administration fields. She feels that her past experiences have prepared her well for her current position.

Prior to her role at Pierce, she was employed by a leading tax professional franchise for 15 years and also a prestigious girl’s school as the Administrative Assistant. Berjamin has demonstrated strong leadership skills through participating in multiple team projects throughout her career, as well as life experiences. In her spare time away from work she enjoys spending time with her four daughters and grandchildren and traveling with friends.
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Susan Weaver

Financial Accounting & Reporting Manager

Susan Weaver is the Financial Accounting and Reporting Manager for Pierce Mortuary Colleges, Inc. She joined the PMC team in May of 2023. Previously, Susan worked as the Treasury Manager for an acquisition-focused manufacturer and distributor of precast concrete and death care products.

In this position, she was responsible for supervising all monies collected and disbursed in the daily operations of the business. She has also worked as the support staff at a small regional CPA firm, participating in small SEC audits under the supervision of principals of the firm. She has worked as accounting manager for several small local businesses, supervising all aspects of business operations. Susan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Kansas State University. She enjoys traveling, hiking and spending time with her dogs.
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Kendra Firek, M.Ed.

Academic Affairs Manager

With over twenty years of experience in higher education, Kendra has held roles in Academic Operations, Prior Learning, Registrar, and Advising departments. Her diverse positions have allowed her to provide guidance and support to students pursuing degrees from Associate to Doctoral programs.

Kendra utilizes her positive attitude and extensive knowledge of higher education to foster success among both academic staff and students. Kendra earned her Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Black American Studies from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. She also holds a Master of Education in Leadership of Educational Organizations from American InterContinental University. Outside of work, Kendra enjoys spending time with her family and her rescue Golden Retriever, Murphy. Her personal interests include reading, cooking, and traveling.
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Faris Jafar

Director of Finance
and Budgets

Faris Jafar is the Director of Finance and Budgets at Pierce Mortuary Colleges. He joined Pierce Mortuary Colleges in 2017 and with over 15 years of financial and compliance expertise. Faris brings professionalism, effectiveness and a determination for excellence.
Faris graduated from DePaul University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. After several years working in the private sector as a staff accountant, he earned his Master’s Degree in International Business from Hult International Business School in 2012. Faris recently successfully passed all four sections of the CPA Exam and holds an IRS Enrolled Agent certification. Outside of the office, Faris enjoys volunteering for tax clients in support of those in need of tax services, attending community sponsored events bringing awareness to worthy causes, bike riding on open trails, and engaging in DIY home projects.
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Tifarah Dial, Ed.D.

Distance Learning Coordinator

Dr. Tifarah T. Dial is an accomplished educational leader with over 20 years of experience, including more than a decade in higher education. She holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Louisiana, Monroe, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction.

Dr. Dial's career in higher education spans multiple states, including Louisiana, Texas, California, and Arizona. She has served as a Virtual Course Facilitator at Bossier Parish Community College and as a Master Courses Facilitator at the University of Phoenix Online. In these roles, she has developed instructional design plans, facilitated online courses, and mentored both students and fellow educators across various disciplines. Her expertise extends to curriculum development, instructional design, and the implementation of diverse learning management systems. Dr. Dial is known for her proficiency in online education, her ability to engage students of various technological skill levels, and her talent for fostering academic achievement in virtual environments. While her focus has been on higher education, Dr. Dial's early career included K-12 experience, which has informed her holistic approach to education. She holds certifications in multiple states and subjects, reflecting her versatile educational background. Throughout her career, Dr. Dial has been recognized for her contributions to education, receiving several awards and grants.
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Chris Roberts

Distance Learning Coordinator

Chris Roberts serves as a Distance Learning Coordinator at Pierce Mortuary Colleges, bringing more than 30 years of higher education experience, in roles ranging from instructional designer to associate professor, to the position.

He is an enthusiastic champion of active learning practices as well as in leveraging educational technology tools to help faculty and students meet their educational goals. As the Distance Learning Coordinator at Pierce Mortuary Colleges, Chris administers the Blackboard Ultra learning management system and supports faculty in the maintenance and development of their online course offerings, providing additional support to students and other academic offices with the learning management system and integrated learning tools.  Prior to starting at Pierce Mortuary Colleges in July of 2022, he was the Associate Director/Lead Instructional Designer in the Center for Teaching and Learning at Wright State University for 22 years, and for 10 years before that he was an Associate Professor of English and the English Program Coordinator at Clark State Community College. Chris holds degrees from Ohio University (B.A.), Wright State University (M.A.), and Vermont College (M.F.A.).  Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and playing guitar.
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Jason Kessinger

Senior Program
Coordinator

Jason Kessinger is the Senior Program Coordinator at Pierce Mortuary Colleges. He started working full time for PMC in November 2017 as the Director of Financial Aid, and subsequently was promoted to the position of Office Manager for the Mid-America College of Funeral Service in Jeffersonville IN before moving to his current position.

Jason’s business management background, student accounts experience, and knowledge of the PMC digital operations systems enable him to lead strategic projects and coordinate resources within the PMC team. He is a solution driven team player that strives to create additional efficiencies that enhance operational success within the organization. Jason graduated from the University of Indiana in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Business with dual concentrations in Management and Marketing. While in college Jason was the president of TKE fraternity from 2006 - 2008. In his personal time Jason enjoys playing golf and racing RC cars at a competitive level.
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DeDe Willis

Program Compliance Specialist

DeDe Willis is a Licensed Funeral Director for the State of Texas and the Program Compliance Specialist for Pierce Mortuary Colleges. Her skill in Funeral Service equips her to ensure the college programs and operations of the campuses adhere to all relevant regulations, standards, and internal policies.

This role involves monitoring, reviewing, and auditing program activities to identify and mitigate compliance risks, as well as providing guidance and training to staff on compliance-related matters. DeDe is a Dallas native and embarked on her career in funeral service during high school by enrolling in Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. She earned her Associate of Applied Science degree and began her professional journey, where she has worked for the past 30+ years. Driven by a commitment to lifelong learning, DeDe pursued a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master of Public Administration, enhancing her expertise in her field. She achieved the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) designation in 2004, a prestigious national recognition requiring extensive specialized education and ongoing professional development. In addition to her professional achievements, DeDe is an active member of several funeral service organizations, Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society, National Association of Professional Women, and the Lions Club International. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, yoga and educating others on end-of-life planning
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Victoria Hedrick

National Director of Admissions & Training

Victoria Hedrick is the National Director of Admissions and Training at Pierce Mortuary Colleges. She began work at the Mid-America campus in early 2019 as an Admissions Representative. She brought with her 10 years of teaching experience in Indiana public schools.

Her skills in training and coaching enable the campus admissions staff to more effectively guide new students into the funeral service program that will fulfill their career and personal goals She has become a collaborator for multiple teams within PMC, such as Financial Aid, Academics, and IT. Her goal within PMC is to help meet our incoming students where they are and continuously provide new tools to help them enter their programs successfully. Victoria graduated from University of Evansville in 2008 with her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with Magna Cum Laude honors. Outside of the office, Victoria enjoys reading books, going for walks, and all things coffee.
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Tracie Hardin

Human Resources
Business Partner

Tracie Hardin is a dedicated and efficiency-focused HR professional with over 13 years of expertise in fostering organizational growth through strategic HR management and talent development.

Currently an H.R. Business Partner at Pierce Colleges, she supports business and organizational goals, provides professional feedback, and ensures HR policy compliance. Tracie excels in employment efficiencies, coaching teams, streamlining communication, and managing extensive recruitment and onboarding processes. Her previous roles in higher education involved comprehensive HR process management, full-cycle recruitment supervision, HRIS management, and the implementation of diversity hiring practices, along with leading complex projects.
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Daniel E. Williams

Accountant

Dan Williams brings 22 years of experience as a Controller/Chief Financial Officer for international, private equity, and family-owned companies.  Along with that, he also brings 5 years of experience working for a software developer who developed a customized ERP software package for customers with special requirements.

He has experience designing and testing software applications for customers’ special needs plus he has experience implementing ERP software packages numerous times throughout his career. Dan served in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era,1973 to 1977, where he worked on the fighter bomber FB-111 navigational equipment. Dan Williams holds a Bachlor of Science degree in Accountancy from Northern Illinois University and he received his Certified Public Accountant designation from the state of Illinois in August of 1986. His practice as a CPA began with three years at a local public accounting firm in West Dundee, Illinois where he obtained a great deal of auditing, accounting and taxation experience.
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