Exciting news! We're transitioning to the Statewide California Earthquake Center. Our new website is under construction, but we'll continue using this website for SCEC business in the meantime. We're also archiving the Southern Center site to preserve its rich history. A new and improved platform is coming soon!
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Mark Benthien

Southern California Earthquake Center
University of Southern California
Director for Communication, Education and Outreach

Expertise: Public education, knowledge implementation, community leadership, earthquake preparedness and safety messaging
 
 
benthien@usc.edu
Work: 213-926-1683
About Me Publications
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 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 involving 10 million participants. Mark was recognized in 2012 by the White House as a “Champion of Change” for his role in managing the California ShakeOut and also expanding ShakeOut to all U.S. states and territories, plus participation in more than 60 countries each year.

SCEC Participation

Current Roles

SCEC Board of Directors, Managing Coordinator (2019 - Present)
SCEC Executive Committee, Member (2017 - Present)
SCEC Associate Director (2001 - Present)
SCEC Staff (1996 - Present)

Past Roles

SCEC Mentor (2000, 2002 - 2004, 2007 - 2011, 2022)
SCEC Research Collaborator (1993 - 1995)
SCEC Intern (1994)