ABOUT

Frank DePaolo, is a distinguished leader in forensic investigations and operations, medicolegal death investigations and emergency management.

With a career spanning over three decades, Frank has played a pivotal role in some of the most complex forensic investigations and disaster response efforts in the United States and around the world.

His expertise has been instrumental in shaping policies, advancing forensic methodologies, developing leading edge technologies in human identification and training the next generation of investigators. Recognized for his unwavering commitment to public safety, Frank continues to serve as a trusted advisor in high-profile cases and crisis situations.

As the former Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), Frank oversaw forensic medicine, investigations, mortuary operations, and emergency response, ensuring the integrity of mass fatality management and victim identification. His expertise has been instrumental in responding to major incidents, including the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, Hurricane Sandy, the Ebola outbreak, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Frank has held leadership positions on both national and international platforms, serving as President and Chairman of the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (IACME) and as an advisor to federal agencies such as FEMA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Defense and the National Forensic Science Commission, and the Department of Homeland Security. His work in forensic science has influenced policies and protocols worldwide, particularly in mass fatality management and disaster victim identification.

Beyond his public service, Frank Depaolo’s academic contributions include his position as a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Forensic Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and adjunct professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. His research focuses on novel approaches to human identification, mass fatality incidents and the complex management of radioactively contaminated decedents.

In recognition of his service, he received the Sloan Public Service Award in 2010 for his role as Director of the Special Operations Division at the NYC OCME.

With extensive experience in forensic operations, disaster response, and emergency medicine, Frank DePaolo continues to be a thought leader, consultant, and advocate for advancing forensic investigations and public safety worldwide.