Sen. Fred Akshar honors Broome County Health Department Director Rebecca Kaufman as his 2021 Woman of Distinction

(BINGHAMTON, NY) This week Senator Akshar recognized Broome County Director of Public Health as his NYS Senate 2021 Woman of Distinction for the 52nd Senate District.

Each year, the New York State Senate honors women who have enriched the quality of life in their communities across New York.

Rebecca Kaufman serves as the Director of Public Health for Broome County, overseeing all facets of the local health department including a $19 million dollar budget and over 40 programs to ensure the health of the nearly 200,000 residents of Broome County.

When COVID-19 arrived in Broome County, Mrs. Kaufman rose to the challenge, helping lead the Broome County community through the pandemic. In addition to helping organize and implement the complex testing, contact tracing, and vaccination systems locally, Ms. Kaufman worked directly with health care providers, businesses, and community members to help navigate the ever-evolving guidance issued by the state.

As Director of Public Health for Broome County, Mrs. Kaufman’s tireless work, steadfast management, and boundless dedication to her community helped save lives during the worst public health crisis in over a century. She accomplished this all while raising two young children.

"Throughout her career, Rebecca Kaufman has dedicated herself to supporting the health of children and families across our community” said Senator Fred Akshar. “When the COVID-19 pandemic upended our daily lives, Rebecca met the challenge head-on. She worked tirelessly help our community navigate the threats of infection, coordinate and implement testing, contact tracing and vaccinations systems in response, and partner with our local healthcare systems and workers to save lives. Her steady leadership and hard work made a huge difference for the people of Broome County and I’m proud to select her as the 52nd District's 2021 Woman of Distinction.”

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition than Rebecca Kaufman,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “She has been the face of the County’s response to the COVID pandemic and has led the Broome County Health Department’s efforts around testing, contact tracing, and vaccinations. There is no doubt in my mind that Rebecca’s leadership has saved lives in Broome County and I’d like to thank her for all her hard work.”

"Congratulations to Broome County Public Health Director Rebecca Kaufman on being recognized as a 2021 Woman of Distinction by Senator Fred Akshar and the New York State Senate," said Dan J. Reynolds, Chairman of the Broome County Legislature. "Rebecca has done an outstanding job helping our community navigate through these challenging times and this is a well deserved honor."

“I am honored to receive this award from Senator Fred Akshar,” said Rebecca Kaufman. “I am so grateful to have been surrounded my husband, kids, parents and my amazing team at the Broome County Health Department. The Broome County Health Department team worked endless hours around the clock throughout the last 18th months. Without their tireless efforts and without our community working together to get us out of this pandemic, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

You can read more about Rebecca Kaufman here.