Ken Sauerbrunn

US Coast Guard Fellow, Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology

Bio

Commander Ken Sauerbrunn has served as an active duty Coast Guard officer for 17 years, accumulating over 9 years of sea time. Throughout his career, he has distinguished himself as a skilled afloat operator and a financial management specialist.

Prior to beginning the military fellowship at Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology, CDR Sauerbrunn served as Executive Officer aboard USCGC ALEX HALEY in Kodiak, AK. Operating in one of the most remote and challenging maritime environments in the nation, he conducted search and rescue missions in protection of the Bering Sea fishing fleet, enforced federal fishing laws, and projected U.S. sovereignty against illegal fishing from maritime competitors in the high latitudes.

CDR Sauerbrunn previously served two tours aboard USCGC STURGEON BAY in Bayonne, NJ as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer. There, he conducted icebreaking operations in the Hudson River during the winter months, ensuring the safe passage of fuels and home heating oil to ports between New York City and Albany. He also conducted law enforcement and port security patrols in

New York Harbor and the surrounding waterways. His first afloat assignment was aboard USCGC DILIGENCE in Wilmington, NC where he conducted migrant interdiction and counter drug patrols in the Straits of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.

As a Coast Guard financial management specialist, CDR Sauerbrunn served two tours as a military Comptroller. In these roles, he managed and oversaw the execution of over $120 million in operational spending and facilities maintenance improvements at four major commands: Training Center Cape May, Air Station Atlantic City, Sector Delaware Bay, and Sector New York. He also implemented all federal budgetary, financial, and supply policies at 25 Coast Guard units across five states.

CDR Sauerbrunn graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He also holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Washington, and a Joint Professional Military Education (JPME-1) diploma from the U.S. Naval War College.

CDR Sauerbrunn’s professional awards and achievements include the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, the Cutterman’s Insignia, numerous unit and team awards, and the Certified Government Financial Manager designation. He and his husband Jonathon enjoy hiking, international travel, and trivia. CDR Sauerbrunn is originally from North Haven, CT.