CalSAE 2019-2020

Mark Benthien is Director for Communication, Education, and Outreach for the Southern California Earthquake Center, headquartered at the University of Southern California. Mark received a Bachelor of Science in Geophysics from UCLA and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from USC.

Mark communicates earthquake knowledge to in order to increase awareness, reduce economic losses, and save lives. Many of these efforts are in coordination with members of the Earthquake Country Alliance, a partnership of organizations that provide earthquake information and services, for which Mark serves as Executive Director and lead organizer of the annual Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill (more than 10.4 million participants in 2018). Mark was recognized in 2012 by the White House as a “Champion of Change” for his role in managing the California ShakeOut and also supporting the many other states and countries who now participate (63 million participants in 70 countries worldwide in 2018).

Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

Neil Bregman has been the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the City of Santa Rosa since September 2014.  He has been working in emergency management since 2009. Neil has worked for multiple government agencies as well as major New York City health care facilities.  A New York City native, prior to his career in emergency management, Neil was a corporate litigator in New York representing clients in high profile products liability, securities fraud and white-collar criminal cases.

In October 2017, Neil managed the City’s Emergency Operations Center throughout the Wine Country Wildfires (Tubbs/Nuns). More recently in 2019, he managed the City’s response to the Kincade fire and 6 PG&E de-energization events.

Co-Chair

ROC Sonoma County: Adam Peacocke is co-chair of Rebuilding Our Community (ROC) Sonoma County, Sonoma County’s long-term recovery group formed in response to the 2017 wildfires that ravaged his community. This work has given Adam significant experience in building collaboration with local and national non-profits and with local, state, and federal government agencies. A native of Sonoma County, Adam has long been involved in community engagement efforts including The Santa Rosa Violence Prevention Partnership, Santa Rosa Together, and various service events championed by the faith community. In 2019 Adam was honored to receive a merit award from the City of Santa Rosa for his work in the community. Prior to his work with ROC Sonoma County, Adam served for 15 years as lead pastor for City Life Fellowship. Currently, Adam also serves as director for Sonoma County Churches United Relief, a faith community collaborative for community engagement. Adam is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles and was thrilled to be part of the Bruins 1993 men’s volleyball national championship team. Adam, his wife Joanne, and their four children live in Santa Rosa, CA. 

Manager