PFDA Staff Directory
Kathleen K. Ryan, Esquire
Executive Director and Counsel
717-554-6393 (cell)
Kathleen K. Ryan, Esquire, is Executive Director and General Counsel for PFDA and Unichoice Cooperative Inc. Prior to joining PFDA, Ms. Ryan served as a senior prosecutor for the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, prosecuting for the State Board of Medicine and the State Board of Funeral Directors and other Boards as needed.
She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Williamsport Area Community College and
Magna Cum Laude from Bloomsburg University with majors in Political Science and Biology. Kathy clerked for the Honorable Clinton W. Smith, Court of Common Pleas, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, prior to going to law school.
She is a 1992 graduate of Widener School of Law, Harrisburg Campus and did internships with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office and the U. S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. In addition, Kathy has served as an Adjunct Professor at Widener Law School, teaching the Intensive Trial Advocacy Program and most recently served as an Adjunct Professor at Northampton Community College of Mortuary Science, teaching the law course. She currently sits on the Advisory Board to the Mortuary Science program of the school. Kathy currently is a member of the Dauphin County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations.
Adam Shaffer
Chief Operating Officer/Assistant Executive Director
Adam Shaffer is the Assistant Executive Director and COO for PFDA and Unichoice Cooperative Inc. Adam joined PFDA after an extensive career in the Pennsylvania Funeral Industry. Adam attended the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, where he graduated with honors before enrolling in Point Park University to finish his degree. In early 2006 he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Point Park University and immediately began serving his internship at the Thomas L. Nied Funeral Home. When his internship was complete Adam accepted a funeral directing job with the Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory (at that time HoffmanRoth) where he served as a funeral director, manager, and supervisor until January of 2024.
Adam also spent one year in the Philadelphia area working for Funeral Directors Life Insurance Company as a select producer for seven funeral homes in four counties.
Abigail S. Bennett
Administrative Assistant
Abby updates/maintains the PFDA website & social media, creates marketing materials, and organizes the Funeral Service Survey program. She maintains all PFDA CE records, along with other general office duties and procedures. One of the many voices you will hear when calling PFDA.
Kristine Hartz
Meetings and Convention Director
Kristine comes to PFDA with an extensive background in meeting planning, catering, sales, and marketing. She is eager to plan informative continuing education programs at PFDA’s Convention & Expo, District Meetings, and other meetings for PFDA members.
Allison Hinkle
Membership Coordinator
Allison is in the Membership Coordinator position, managing all membership-related data. She processes new and renewing memberships, assists with membership recruitment and outreach campaigns, and helps to promote PFDA services, resources and benefits. She performs other duties as needed to support membership development.
Deb Miller
SecurChoice Senior Trust Administrator
Deb manages the preneed trust. She handles the day-to-day processing of trust claims and banking.
Emilie Rudder
SecurChoice Trust Administrative Assistant
Emilie assists Deb in the SecurChoice office.
