Ken Ufkin

Ken Ufkin is a dedicated emergency management, safety, and security professional with over three decades of experience spanning law enforcement, fire service, and disaster preparedness. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in disaster and emergency management from American Military University and has built his career around strengthening community resilience and developing inclusive safety solutions.

Following his honorable service with the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, Ufkin served 18 years in law enforcement, including 11 years as a dual-certified professional firefighter in South Florida, where he gained extensive expertise in hazardous materials response and multi-hazard incident management.

Ufkin now serves as the safety, security, and emergency preparedness manager for Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna, Alaska, a 1200-employee regional healthcare hub on the Kenai Peninsula. In this role, he oversees all-hazards emergency planning, security operations, and regulatory compliance for the hospital, while fostering a culture of preparedness and continuity of care in a region exposed to diverse natural hazards.

Previously, Ufkin served as emergency manager for the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, where he coordinated preparedness initiatives and led the construction of the nation’s first free-standing vertical evacuation tsunami tower as part of a broader climate adaptation and managed retreat strategy.

Guided by servant leadership, cultural responsiveness, and a strong family ethic, Ufkin champions trust-based collaboration, community-centered planning, and innovative approaches to long-term resilience.