William Monahan appointed President of Swan Point Cemetery

Swan Point Cemetery, a 200-acre, active, nonsectarian garden cemetery established in 1846 and located in Providence, Rhode Island, has named William Monahan as President.  Bringing over 25 years of experience in cemetery management and leadership, Monahan has a deep understanding of the industry, including cemetery operations, strategic planning and landscape preservation.

Prior to joining Swan Point, Monahan served as Director of Operations at Woodlawn Cemetery, one of Massachusetts’ busiest cemeteries, overseeing more than 1,300 interments, cremations and mausoleum entombments annually.  In this role, he developed new products and programs to meet market demands, led the design and construction of more than 600 niche columbarium for cremation memorialization and developed over 6 acres of new inground burial inventory.  Earlier in his cemetery career, Monahan worked as a Landscape Foreman at Woodlawn, building on his background in landscape design and construction.

As the next President of Swan Point Cemetery, Monahan will work with the Board of Directors and staff on implementation of the Cemetery’s long-range and master plan, including decisions regarding the remaining land available for development, increases in crematory services, and the further engagement of the community through an advanced outreach and marketing strategy. 

“Bill succeeds Anthony Hollingshead who, after a career in cemetery leadership roles capped by 20-years as Swan Point President, is retiring to pursue personal interests,” said Tom Goddard, Board Chair. “During his time at Swan Point, Anthony has overseen significant growth in facility expansion, team growth, fiscal stability and community outreach.  We look forward to seeing Bill meet the challenge of continuing the work and further enhancement of the reputation and reach of one of the most prominent historical cemeteries in the United States.”

Monahan began his professional journey in residential landscape architecture after earning a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.  He later transitioned into the nursery industry as the Wholesale Sales Manager for one of New England’s largest wholesale and retail nurseries.

“I am honored to join Swan Point Cemetery as its new President and look forward to upholding its rich history while guiding it into the future.  It is a privilege to serve this distinguished institution and the families who entrust us with their care,” said Monahan.

A dedicated leader in the cemetery profession, Monahan has served on the Massachusetts Cemetery Association Board of Directors for over 15 years. He is a past President and the current Vice President of the Association and has served on multiple committees, including Legislative Affairs, Cremation and Membership.  He holds certifications as a Cremation Association of North America (CANA) Crematory Operator and a Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist.  Monahan will assume his responsibilities as President of Swan Point Cemetery on or around June 1, 2025.

Swan Point Cemetery engaged Kittleman & Associates to conduct a search for its President.  Kittleman & Associates is a national executive search firm that specializes in the recruitment of CEOs for nonprofit organizations.  It recruits leaders for the entire nonprofit sector, including public gardens and arboreta, museums and historic sites, conservation and philanthropy. For more information, visit https://www.kittlemansearch.com/  

The mission of Swan Point Cemetery is to make its facilities available to meet the needs of past, present and future generations by perpetuating a living memorial honoring life – and the termination of life on earth – with reverence and dignity by maintaining a sanctuary of peace and beauty for those who survive, by providing a permanent record commemorating the lives of those who have gone before, and by offering counsel and guidance to those who must one day inevitably follow. For more information, about Swan Point Cemetery, visit https://swanpointcemetery.com/