“Lead with dignity, serve with purpose.”
With over 24 years of professional experience spanning funeral services, healthcare, and veterans’ advocacy, Mindy Rocha-Barella exemplifies operational excellence, empathetic leadership, and a deep-rooted commitment to community impact. From managing large teams across multiple service locations to steering organizations through transformative digital and cultural change, Mindy has dedicated her career to elevating standards, empowering people, and honoring lives—both in business and in public service.
Mindy’s career began in funeral services, where her passion for people and exceptional organizational abilities quickly set her apart. Over time, she rose from funeral director to location manager and eventually to Area General Manager for Dignity Memorial Funeral Homes, overseeing six locations in Western Washington. Her journey has been defined by a rare blend of operational rigor and compassionate leadership, which she consistently uses to serve families during their most vulnerable moments. At each stage, she has demonstrated her ability to lead with heart while driving strategic and financial performance.
As Area General Manager, Mindy led a team of 80 employees and 10 direct-report managers. She fostered an environment of development and recognition, implementing morale-boosting programs and tailored training initiatives that enhanced productivity and service quality. Her leadership was instrumental in creating a robust business infrastructure that increased client satisfaction, employee engagement, and profitability. Among her numerous achievements, she developed a revenue-boosting program that added $150,000 in profit in 2024, optimized marketing efforts that expanded digital reach by over 1,000 followers, and transitioned operations to a fully digital format—redefining industry norms in a historically traditional field.
Mindy’s operational expertise is expansive. She has overseen payroll, Sarbanes-Oxley documentation, vendor management, and capital expenditure processes with precision. Her analytical insights—gained through daily financial reviews and market analysis—have consistently led to cost reduction, risk mitigation, and market share growth. She has also played a pivotal role in cross-functional leadership, from auditing compliance to implementing major systems transformations, all while ensuring her teams remained focused on the end mission: delivering exceptional, dignified service.
Beyond business, Mindy is deeply invested in advocacy and service. She has served on several impactful boards, including the Portland VA Medical Center Mental Health Advisory Board, the Clackamas County Suicide Prevention Advisory Board, and the Education Advisory Board for Mt. Hood Community College’s Funeral Service Program. Currently, she contributes her time and talents as a Board Member of the Navy League Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council and maintains active affiliations with the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the United States Field Artillery Association. These roles underscore her commitment to veterans, mental health, and community education—causes that reflect her personal values and lifelong mission.
Public speaking is another avenue through which Mindy amplifies her impact. Known for her powerful local engagements, she shares wisdom born of experience, resilience, and strategic leadership. Whether mentoring emerging professionals or leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, Mindy’s voice is grounded in lived experience and guided by a profound understanding of human dignity.
Education has also played a central role in Mindy’s career. A graduate with honors from Mt. Hood Community College, she holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science – Funeral Service, with a focus on Business Management, Psychology, and Sociology. Her academic grounding in both business operations and human behavior has enriched her ability to lead with both data and empathy. She further enhanced her expertise with DEI Leadership Training (2024–2025) and executive development courses like “Leading with Dignity.”
Mindy’s career is a testament to adaptive leadership. She has successfully introduced new service offerings like digital memorials and catering programs, which not only diversified revenue streams but also better met the evolving needs of today’s families. She’s implemented floral programs that increased service revenue, designed incident management frameworks to enhance regulatory compliance, and driven continuous improvement through community feedback. Her ability to blend innovation with empathy sets her apart in any boardroom or business environment.
In her personal time, Mindy is passionate about embracing her Native American Heritage, boating, woodworking, gardening and veterans’ support. She also has a profound love for rehabilitating and rehoming rescue dogs. These hobbies and commitments reflect a well-rounded professional whose dedication to service extends far beyond her career. Whether she’s mentoring funeral directors or live-streaming Navy League events, Mindy approaches each endeavor with the same tenacity and grace that define her executive journey.
Looking ahead, Mindy Rocha-Barella is actively seeking board service opportunities where she can offer her vast expertise in leadership, operational strategy, and stakeholder engagement. She brings not only decades of experience but a rare perspective shaped by frontline service, cultural competency, and entrepreneurial grit. With a proven track record of building businesses from the ground up, cultivating high-performing teams, and leading through change, she is an invaluable asset to any advisory or governing board.
Character:
Mindy exemplifies integrity and service in every role she undertakes, from business leadership to nonprofit board participation. Her career reflects a dedication to community, empathy, and dignity in both words and actions.
Knowledge:
With over two decades of experience and continued professional development, Mindy brings deep industry knowledge, financial acumen, and a sharp eye for market trends. Her academic background and hands-on expertise empower her to lead with both vision and precision.
Strategic:
Mindy is a natural strategist who consistently aligns operational practices with long-term growth. Her ability to implement high-impact programs and streamline processes has led to sustained profitability and market expansion.
Communication:
An effective communicator and public speaker, Mindy connects with diverse audiences—from grieving families to corporate stakeholders—with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Her mentoring, community engagement, and leadership training highlight her strengths in interpersonal and organizational communication.
