Kaufman is the former president of the Association of Film Commissioners International, where she still serves on the board of directors.
She graduated from Sweet Briar College in Virginia in 1970 and earned a Masters from Columbia University in New York City.
She and her husband, who live in New York City, have three daughters, Charlotte, Lily Hayes and Lisbeth.
In addition, the office monitors legislative, regulatory and tax initiatives that will affect the industry.
The program was signed into law in August 2004 and has already had a significant impact on film and television production in New York.