01/20/2026
Board Member spotlight- 2026 Treasurer Chief Chris Kaufmann
Chris Kaufmann is the Fire Chief for St. Tammany Fire District #1 and has been with the department for over 30 years. He started his fire department career as a firefighter, and has risen through the ranks serving as Firefighter, Operator, Fire Inspector, Chief of Fire Prevention, and Chief of Administration before becoming Fire Chief in 2014. As Fire Chief, he oversees the full day to day operations which include an 18-million-dollar budget, and 168 employees.
Chris received an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Delgado Community College. He has also received numerous certifications within the field. Chris continues to learn and educate himself by attending seminars and classes.
Chief Kaufmann is involved in numerous community and charitable organizations. Chris has served as president of the St. Tammany Fire Chiefs Association. He is serving his 3rd term as chairman of the Board of Directors for United Way in St. Tammany and has been a board member for 14 years. He has also been a board member with STARC for 10 years and is currently the vice-president with the Hospice Foundation of the South, where he has been a board member for 10 years. In collaboration with the Junior Auxiliary of Slidell, Chris helped to create the outreach program “Know your child” in 2015.
Chris has been married to his wife Pam for over 30 years. They have two sons Blaine and Bryce. Chris enjoys spending time with his family, helping others through his non-profit work, and fitness.
