Trent Kaufman

Trent Kaufman is a proud Wyoming native, born and raised in Douglas. He graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Business. Although he had opportunities to pursue higher-paying positions out of state, Trent chose to remain in Wyoming to be close to his family. After his father's passing, caring for his mother in a nursing home became an important calling in his life.

 

Education was always a priority for Trent, and he soon returned to the University of Wyoming to earn his MBA in 1991. His career began as a plant manager for a global vitamin company before transitioning into healthcare leadership. He served as Chief Operating Officer of a local hospital and later as Director of Billing and Collections for Wyoming Medical Center. In addition to his full-time roles, Trent dedicated his evenings and weekends to teaching business and computer courses through the Eastern Wyoming College outreach program.

 

Trent eventually moved back to Laramie, where he served as CEO of Gem City Bone & Joint—later Premier Bone and Joint Centers—for 16 years. Under his leadership, the organization grew from a small group of orthopedic surgeons to a thriving practice serving 14 communities across Wyoming and Nebraska.

 

Having grown up with both parents severely disabled, Trent developed a deep passion for long-term care during his mother's 26 years in nursing facilities. He completed specialized training in long-term care administration and went on to manage several facilities across the state, continuing his lifelong commitment to the elderly and disabled communities of Wyoming. Trent enjoys serving the public and has been elected to the Douglas City Council, Ivinson Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees and most recently serves on the Converse County Board of county commissioners.

 

To honor his parents and support students facing similar challenges, Trent established the Mary Claire Kaufman Scholarship through the University of Wyoming Foundation. This scholarship provides financial assistance to students who have lost a parent or have a parent with a disability, helping them pursue their educational goals with dignity and hope.