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 2025 Award Winner Megan Comer!
You may have heard this story before. Maybe you’ve even lived it — A child with parents in funeral service eventually takes over the family business. This is the essence of Megan Comer’s story, but it’s far from ordinary. Her path has taken many unexpected twists and turns, and her journey is far from over. This much is clear: Each of her unique experiences has contributed to her personal growth and professional success.
Career Excellence
Megan didn’t choose funeral service. The profession chose her. . . .
It was 2012. Megan had just completed her degree in organizational leadership and management and was beginning a master's degree in counseling when her father, Stuart Comer, became ill. He asked her to take over management of Alhiser-Comer Mortuary’s operations in his absence.
Megan never would have seen herself following her father’s and grandfather’s career path, much less working in the family business. But on that day, she knew she had to step in to help. She hasn’t looked back since and is still reaping the rewards of her decision, more than a decade later.
Alhiser-Comer Mortuary is Escondido's oldest operating business. Megan has taken it to another level by refreshing it with contemporary aesthetics, a relationship-based family service model and an accommodating online presence. Through these efforts, the firm’s call volume has nearly tripled in the past 10 years.
Megan and her team show no signs of slowing down. Their community has recognized their outstanding impact with several awards:
- 2023 – California Funeral Director of the Year – California Funeral Directors Association
- 2023 – Top 10 Small Business of the Year for District 40 Award
- 2023 – Leadership Award – North San Diego Business Chamber
- 2023 – Small Business of the Year – North San Diego Business Chamber
- 2023 – Top 40 Business Leaders Under 40 – San Diego Business Journal
- 2022–2023 – Rookie Board Member of the Year – Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego
- 2022 – Finalist, Business Woman of the Year – San Diego Business Journal
- 2021, 2022 – Finalist, 40 Top Business Leaders Under 40 – San Diego Business Journal
- 2021 – Woman of Distinction – San Diego Woman Magazine
- 2021 - 40 Under 40 – San Diego Metro Magazine
- 2017 – Small Business of the Year – Escondido Chamber of Commerce
This success has not been without hardships. In 2016, three weeks after the birth of Megan’s son, a car crashed through her firm’s prep room, leading to an arduous, five-year journey of updates and repairs.
In July of 2018, Megan’s father passed away, leaving Megan as the owner and manager. Then in October 2018, the firm’s crematory caught on fire. Difficult as it was to recover from back-to-back losses, Megan demonstrated resilience and remained committed to her community and team. She considers herself a stronger leader because of these experiences.
The unique challenges Megan has faced gave her a platform to mentor other female funeral service professionals. She loves sharing the tools needed to succeed in a lifetime funeral service career. This includes a collaboration with the Selected Educational Trust to establish a scholarship in her father’s memory.
Community Commitment
Megan says, “We are here to serve people. To meet them where they are, financially, emotionally, mentally and physically. To be a bright light for them in a dark time.” She lives out this vocational mission statement through service in several local, national and international organizations, including the following:
- California Funeral Directors Association
- National Funeral Directors Association
- Selected Independent Funeral Homes
- North San Diego Business Chamber
- Escondido Chamber of Commerce
- Boy & Girls Club of Greater San Diego
Selected Involvement
With many commitments to her firm and community, Megan still finds value investing in Selected’s various programs and events. She developed her leadership skills through the Selected Leadership Academy, graduating with her COVID Crusaders class in 2022. She is also involved in Selected’s Membership Task Force and has attended several Selected events.
In Megan’s office hangs a Mother Theresa quote, "Do small things with great love." This proverb has both inspired her achievements and her acts of service. It has been a guiding light in her efforts to serve families where they are.
For her compassion and leadership, her service and resilience, we are proud to recognize Megan Comer as our 2025 NextGen Professional of the Year.
What People Are Saying About Megan
In Megan's short time leading the helm at her funeral home, she has overcome so many challenges and has never given up. She also has been recognized by many in her community, apparent from the awards she has received. She is a wonderful example of a woman in funeral service. – Former NextGen Professional of the Year Winner
“Megan is a truly admirable individual who we all feel privileged to know. The children of San Diego County are incredibly lucky to have her on their side.” – Colleague who worked with Megan
“Megan leads by example and is an inspiration to everyone she knows. She demonstrates exceptional training and development skills. There is no one more deserving of this award than her.” – Colleague who worked with Megan
Past Award Winners
Learn about past winners of the NextGen Professional of the Year Award.