Sean Kaufman, MPH, CPH

Sean Kaufman serves as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). He brings more than three decades of experience in public health emergency management, infectious disease response, and workforce protection. Kaufman began his public health career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), supporting responses to September 11, the anthrax attacks, SARS, and West Nile virus. His global response experience includes H1N1 influenza, MERS, Ebola, and COVID-19. During the 2014 Ebola crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a key role in preparing response personnel, strengthening containment practices, and protecting healthcare workers.

At Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health and as founder of Safer Behaviors, Kaufman advanced behaviorally based training and preparedness programs that reached thousands of healthcare professionals, scientists, laboratory personnel, and first responders. His work connects public health expertise with the practical skills needed to operate safely and effectively in high-risk environments.

Kaufman is the author of Prepare and Protect and has testified before Congress. His honors include multiple U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Distinguished Service Awards for his contributions to the responses to September 11, the anthrax attacks, and SARS.  He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Public Health from San Diego State University.  Kaufman is certified in public health and biological risk management.