Dec. 16, 2025: Kaufmann to Join New Jersey Hospital Association, Leading Education and Research Initiatives

The New Jersey Hospital Association has appointed Eric Kaufmann as Vice President and executive director of its Health Research and Educational Trust of New Jersey (HRET), an NJHA affiliate dedicated to advancing healthcare through education, patient safety and quality improvement, and research. Kaufmann brings a distinguished background in health and human services and a strong record of public service to this leadership role.

Kaufmann has more than a decade of experience with the N.J. Department of Human Services, most recently serving as senior advisor to the commissioner and acting chief financial officer. He provided fiscal and operations expertise across a number of critical healthcare programs impacting hospitals, nursing homes and other providers, including Medicaid, information technology, research and special projects. He also served as budget director for the N.J. Division of Mental Health & Addiction Services and the Division of Developmental Disabilities.

As Vice President and executive director of HRET, Kaufmann will guide the Garden State Patient Safety Center and NJHA initiatives focused on healthcare quality, patient safety and community wellness, along with educational programming to support New Jersey's healthcare workforce.

"NJHA and its Health Research and Educational Trust are dedicated to advancing healthcare through impactful research and projects and top-tier continuing education," said NJHA President and CEO Cathy Bennett. "With his strong commitment to service and deep Medicaid policy and operational expertise, Eric is the ideal leader to grow our efforts to support health and wellness across New Jersey."

Kaufmann, of Upper Makefield, Pa., holds a master's degree in accounting from the University of Connecticut, a law degree from Fordham University and a bachelor's in political science from Rutgers University.

"I am honored to lead NJHA's Health Research and Educational Trust at a time when advancing accessible, affordable and high-quality care is more important than ever," said Kaufmann. "HRET's commitment to rigorous research and meaningful education - delivered in partnership with providers, agencies and communities - creates real opportunities to improve health outcomes across our state."