Francis Bret Kaufmann, a resident of Spring Lake and a graduate of Manasquan High School, graduated from West Point Military Academy in New York in 1979.

He went on to serve as an officer in the U.S. Army, earning a medal for valor for his service in Grenada in 1983. After retiring as an army captain, Kaufmann earned a master’s degree in finance from Golden Gate University in San Francisco.

Over the last three decades, Kaufmann has worked as an engineer, contractor, and certified home inspector, founding two companies and serving as vice president for a third.

He served as president of the American Society of Home Inspectors’ New Jersey chapter from 2005 to 2015, and currently runs the inspection company, Kaufmann Consultants, LLC, based out of Madison.

“I hope to live up to each of your expectations and contribute in a meaningful way as a member of this board,” Kaufmann said. “I will give it my absolute best effort.”

Kaufmann was appointed in November 2015 to serve a four-year term as a Brookdale trustee. Addressing his fellow board members at that time, Kaufmann said he hopes to use his knowledge of facilities, finance, business, and management for the good of the Brookdale community.