NextGen Professional of the Year

About the Award

Selected Independent Funeral Homes created the NextGen Professional of the Year Award to highlight the accomplishments and contributions of young funeral professionals. The award is designed to specifically spotlight career achievements, community/organization involvement and awards/recognition of funeral professionals under the age of 50.

Congratulations to 2026 Award Winner David Mayne Root!

David Mayne Root grew up just steps away from his family’s funeral home. While his mother worked in the family flower shop located in the same building, the business itself was managed by his grandparents and uncles. Though neither of his parents were funeral directors or embalmers, David was surrounded from an early age by the values, purpose, and quiet dignity of funeral service.

During his high school summers, David took on the responsibility of caring for the funeral home grounds. He approached every task with diligence, humility, and an exceptional work ethic, qualities that quickly became hallmarks of his character.

After graduating high school, David worked for a local plumber, saving enough to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California from December 2002 to December 2004. Upon returning to Calgary, he began working part-time at the funeral home as a Funeral Attendant while starting his college studies. As his passion for funeral service deepened, he shifted his academic path to formally pursue a career in the profession.

David’s natural aptitude for funeral service was immediately evident. He excelled in his studies and has distinguished himself in every role he has taken on. In a relatively short period, he has become a skilled embalmer; a compassionate, creative, and highly capable funeral director; and a respected leader within the organization. His commitment to serving families is reflected in the consistently outstanding ratings he receives on client satisfaction surveys.

In recent years, David has dedicated himself to building a strong foundation for his future and for the future of the profession. While he values the traditions that have long defined funeral service, he also embraces innovation. As General Manager, he has expanded the firm’s product offerings, strengthened its use of technology, improved scheduling procedures, and played a key role in enhancing the General Price List. His leadership continues to elevate the services provided to families and the standards upheld by the organization.

David’s blend of integrity, vision, and service-driven leadership has made him an invaluable part of the funeral home and a standout professional within the industry.

Funeral Service Leadership & Professional Engagement
David approaches all professional involvement with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence, contributing thoughtful insights and meaningful dialogue to every board and committee he serves.

Alberta Funeral Service Association (AFSA)

• Director, 2017–present
• Treasurer, 2021–2022
• Vice President, 2022–2023
• President, 2023–2025
• Past President, 2025–2026

Mount Royal University – Funeral Director & Embalmer Advisory Board

• Member, 2007–present
• Chair, 2014–2019

Mount Royal University – Funeral Service Education

• Instructor, Funeral Director and Embalmer Program, 2011–present

Community Leadership & Volunteer Service
David’s service is marked by dedication, compassion, and a continual desire to lift others. Whether teaching, leading, or supporting his community, he focuses on people first while helping organizations move forward. His longstanding work with the Calgary Stampede Parade Committee exemplifies his commitment. He consistently goes above and beyond to support one of the city’s largest and most iconic events.

Calgary Stampede

• Parade Committee Member, 2008–present
• Second Vice Chair, 2023–2025
• First Vice Chair, 2025–present
• Volunteer Focus Group Member, 2017–2019
• Parade Committee Development Sub-Chair, 2016–2023
• Parade Committee Safety Subcommittee Chair, 2012–2016
• Parade Spotter Coordinator, 2007–2012
• Parade Spotter, 2000–2002, 2006

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• Full-Time Mission (Ventura, California), Dec 2002–Dec 2004
• Counselor in Bishopric, Feb 2006–Sept 2007
• Stake Executive Secretary, Sept 2007–Sept 2008
• Sunday School Teacher, Sept 2008–Sept 2010
• Elders Quorum President, Sept 2010–April 2014
• High Councilor, April 2014–Feb 2016
• Young Men’s President, Feb 2016–April 2018
• Elders Quorum President, April 2018–April 2019
• Elders Quorum Counselor, May 2019–March 2023
• Primary Teacher, April 2023–May 2024
• Counselor in Bishopric, May 2024–present

Selected Independent Funeral Homes Involvement

• NextGen Advisory Group Member, 2011–2015
• NextGen Chair, 2013
• Selected Leadership Academy, Class of 2012–2014

Testimonial

David is a shining example of servant leadership," said Selected Board Chair and Award Panel Judge Christopher Waite of Waite Funeral Homes. "He is deeply committed to his family’s company, his community, and our profession at-large."

Past Award Winners

Learn about past winners of the NextGen Professional of the Year Award.