Our Team
Rita Haider
Rita brings over four decades of healthcare experience to her role as President of FCACO's Board of Directors. As a retired Family Nurse Practitioner, she has dedicated her career to empowering patients and families to make informed healthcare decisions—a mission that aligns perfectly with FCACO's consumer advocacy work.
Her professional background includes serving as Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Program Manager at the Columbus VA, Clinical Director at Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Massachusetts, and managing a private practice where she championed patient education and quality improvement. Rita has consistently focused on creating systems that put people first and ensure individuals have the information they need to make decisions about their care.
A passionate community advocate, Rita has volunteered with Scioto County Habitat for Humanity (Past Board Co-President), the Portsmouth Community Garden (Founding Member), and participated in international medical mission trips to Haiti, Pakistan, the Dominican Republic, and the Philippines. She has also served as Director of International Programs at Shawnee State University, where she built collaborative networks and fostered meaningful connections.
Rita's leadership philosophy centers on transparency, accountability, and service. She is honored to help FCACO's members and the Central Ohio community make end-of-life planning more accessible, affordable, and dignified for all.
President - ritashaider@funeralsohio.org
Dennis Rankin
Co-Chair Membership Secretary - dennisrankin@funeralsohio.org
Dennis has been a dedicated Board Member of FCACO since 2019, where he applies his expertise in computer technology and organizational management. He holds a degree in Microbiology from The Ohio State University, earned in 1976, and enjoyed a distinguished career in regulatory affairs within the drug manufacturing industry. After graduating, Dennis began his professional journey as a technician in a quality control laboratory in the food industry. He quickly advanced to roles in research and laboratory management.
In 1993, Dennis transitioned to a new company, taking on responsibilities as a Quality Control Manager and Regulatory Officer. There, he deepened his knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and authored drug master files for FDA submissions. Leveraging his computer skills, Dennis developed procedures and organized company archives, streamlining production and laboratory recordkeeping. He also represented his company in Washington D.C., collaborating with other drug producers and eventually chairing an industry committee.
Upon retiring in 2018, Dennis launched a consulting business, supporting companies in maintaining their FDA compliance and drug status. Beyond his professional achievements, Dennis is deeply committed to community service. He has contributed to Opera Columbus both as a performer and as chair of fundraising efforts. He has served on various committees and fundraising initiatives at his church and continues to be active.
Currently, Dennis serves on the boards of FCACO and Friends and Family of Greater Columbus, where he helps support adults with learning deficits.
Treasurer - Jackholdford@funeralsohio.org
Jack Holdford
Jack Holdford has been a member of the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Central Ohio for 7 years and is serving his second year as Treasurer. A retired registered nurse with 30 years of federal government experience, Jack brings healthcare insight and financial expertise to the board.
Jack's parents were members before him. He joined after seeing too many families unprepared for the decisions following a loved one's death. Active in the outreach program, Jack works to educate the community about end-of-life planning. He believes in open conversations about death and dying, helping demystify both the physical and practical aspects to support informed decision-making.
Ellen Rapkin
Secretary
I have been a member of FCACO for several years and I have been a board member for the last year. I am a retired social worker and a graduate of University of Michigan and Wayne State University. My professional experience has been in mental health and health organizations, including hospice. I also am involved in the DEI committee of League of Women Voters of Metro Columbus and I am on the board of Our Helpers.
Cathy Elkins
- Past President and Co-Membership SecretaryI graduated from OSU with a Masters Degree in Social Work in 1970. With an LISW I worked at Ohio Welfare Department (now HumanServices), then North Central Mental Health, later with LifeCare Alliance and lastly with Columbus Public Health. I retired in 2011. Most of my social work career was with older adults. I have been a member of FCACO many years. I served two terms as President and now I’m serving as Membership Chair.
Gloria Beal
Director
Gloria brings a lifelong commitment to community service and an unmatched dedication to FCACO's mission to the Board of Directors. A proud resident of Columbus's King Lincoln-Bronzeville neighborhood, Gloria has been an FCACO member since 1962 - making her one of our longest-standing and most dedicated members, a true testament to her enduring belief in consumer advocacy.
With 45 years of experience working with the public across a remarkable range of professions - including education, law enforcement, aerospace, and healthcare insurance - Gloria has consistently demonstrated a passion for serving others and advocating for those who need it most. Her extensive background in health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid gave her firsthand insight into the challenges consumers face navigating complex systems during vulnerable times, experience that aligns directly with FCACO's mission.
A self-starter with enormous respect for teamwork, Gloria values volunteering as an opportunity to give back to her community. We are deeply honored to welcome her energy, her wisdom, and her 60+ years of loyalty to FCACO to our Board of Directors.
Cyndi Dorwart
Director
Samantha Fechner
Director
Mandie Maxwell is a newer addition to the FCACO Board, where she brings a strong background in project management and state policy. In her role with FCACO, Mandie helps lead organizational events and monitors legislative and political developments that impact funeral consumers and the broader funeral industry. Professionally, Mandie serves as a Senior Business Systems Analyst with the Ohio Technology Consortium, a division of the Ohio Department of Higher Education. She oversees the translation of state policy—ranging from college access initiatives to academic programs—into enterprise systems and strategic reporting that support Ohioans pursuing higher education. Prior to this role, Mandie directed the Community Relations Coalition advocacy group at Michigan State University. Mandie has more than ten years of experience in higher education, including work in government relations, financial aid, and international programming. Her international experience includes teaching courses on American higher education and culture at Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan, China, and serving as a scholar with the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM). She earned her PhD from The Ohio State University. She leverages her background in teaching, policy analysis, and advocacy to advance consumer education and informed decision‑making.
Director
Mandie Maxwell
Lisa brings over 17 years of technology and project management expertise to the FCACO Board of Directors. As a Software Engineering Manager, she has built and led effective cross-functional teams across banking, telecommunications, insurance, and state government organizations, with a strong focus on strategic planning, process improvement, and accountability.
Lisa's connection to FCACO is deeply personal. When her mother-in-law became ill, she and her family didn't know where to turn for help in making end-of-life funeral planning decisions. Discovering FCACO's resources and guidance during that difficult time made all the difference for her family. The experience of being informed and supported when they needed it most inspired Lisa to give back by joining the Board, ensuring other families receive the same compassionate assistance.
Throughout her career, Lisa has successfully managed complex initiatives including cloud migrations, system modernizations, and application development projects serving millions of users. Her leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, empowerment, and continuous improvement - values that align perfectly with FCACO's mission to serve and educate our community.
Lisa brings her strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and commitment to transparency to FCACO's work. She believes everyone deserves access to clear information and fair practices when planning for end-of-life decisions.
A Columbus resident, Lisa is dedicated to helping FCACO empower families throughout Central Ohio to make informed, dignified choices during life's most challenging moments.
Director
Lisa Rine
Nikki Smith
Director
Nikki is an INELDA certified death doula and a grief coach, serving the terminally ill, dying, elderly and their loved ones with dignity and respect. Born and raised in Columbus Ohio, she is driven to her commitment to give back to the community and help those suffering with grief and loss. Nikki volunteers her spare time with a local hospice and serves on the board of directors for FCACO as well as Let The Light In, a nonprofit organization that provides support for women who have suffered pregnancy and infant loss. She also hosts a weekly podcast to destigmatize grief, Good Grief with Nikki the Death Doula. When she’s not helping others, you’ll likely find her backpacking deep in the woods.
In addition to her advocacy work, Nikki has taken on the vital role of managing FCACO's website, ensuring our members have access to current information and resources. Her dedication to maintaining our online presence has greatly enhanced our ability to serve the Central Ohio community.
If you have suggestions for the website or would like to offer assistance, you can reach Nikki at nikkismith@funeralsohio.org