Dan Firda

  • Executive Leader
  • Connecticut, USA
  • Feb 20, 2026
Full time Business Development Consultant Executive Funeral / Cemetary General Business Management

Personal Summary

As a lifelong, devout member of the Diocese of Bridgeport in CT. and the father of a current seminarian, my commitment to our local Church is both personal and foundational. For years, I have utilized my professional gifts to drive operational excellence within the corporate sector; however, I am now at a point in my career where I feel a profound calling to blend my professional expertise with my faith. It is with a deep sense of stewardship and service that I submit my resume.

Currently serving as a National Vice President (functioning as a Brand COO), I manage the day-to-day operations of a multifunctional organization. My expertise lies in building the "Enduring Operations" necessary for a large-scale organization to thrive. I specialize in creating internal systems that empower client-facing teams to operate at maximum efficiency while overseeing programs that ensure long-term sustainability and growth.

My leadership philosophy is rooted in Servant Leadership.

I believe in empowering employees to perform at their best by providing them with clear structures and the support they need to succeed.

I am eager to discuss how my "COO-level" operational experience and my heart for the mission of the Catholic Church can help an organization succeed.

Thank you for your time and for your dedicated service to our faith community.

Work Experience

National Vice President
May 2013 - Present Compass International Holdings

Directs the comprehensive day-to-day operations of a 35-member multi-functional team, serving as the primary operational architect for the brand’s client-facing and internal support divisions.

Operational Architecture: Serve as the de facto COO, optimizing organizational structure by aligning individual strengths with brand objectives, resulting in a 96% customer retention rate representing over $900M+ in Gross Commission Income.

Systems Innovation: Spearhead the design and deployment of internal productivity systems that bridge the gap between corporate strategy and field execution, ensuring teams operate with maximum efficiency.

Organizational Stewardship: Developed "Enduring Operations" frameworks for customers, providing the financial foundations and talent growth programs necessary to maintain stability through volatile market cycles.

Servant Leadership: Lead through a mission-focused philosophy; recruited and developed high-performing teams by fostering an environment of accountability and professional dignity.

Executive Governance: Regularly presents strategic growth initiatives, annual budgets, and performance metrics to the CEO and CFO in a boardroom setting to ensure alignment with universal brand goals.

National Vice President (Strategic Growth) 2016 – 2018

Century 21, (Compass International Holdings) – Madison, NJ

Led a team responsible for identifying and engaging potential independent organizations for alignment with the brand mission, achieving 110%+ of annual goals.

Guided the planning and execution of major organizational mergers, focusing on post-acquisition integration and operational continuity for all stakeholders.

Implemented business strategies that increased regional reach by effectively identifying and entering underserved markets.

National Director (Center of Excellence) 2015 – 2016

(Compass International Holdings) – Madison, NJ

Built and led a newly established 11-member Business Solutions team tasked with executing growth initiatives and establishing enhanced service quality standards.

Established a 95% constituent satisfaction rate and year-over-year profit growth targets for all partners utilizing the Center of Excellence.

Planned and deployed system life cycle methodologies to produce high-quality internal systems that exceeded customer expectations.

Director (Business Consulting) 2013 – 2015

(Compass International Holdings) – Madison, NJ

Turned around low-growth regional operations by solidifying workflow processes, strengthening client relationships, and improving communications, supporting client advocacy.

Guided the regional team to exceed 95% renewal goals and 12% headcount growth through innovative resource allocation.

Further experience: see attached resume

Education

Business, Executive Leadership
May 2013 - Sep 2014 Cornell University
Bachelor of Science
Sep 1995 - Jun 1998 Southern CT. ST. University