Cindi Preller is the Executive Director of the Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo, located on the Big Island in Hawai’i.
With an educational background in geology, physics and education, Cindi began her tsunami career as a Lead WatchStander at the National Tsunami Warning Center following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami disaster. This role was responsible for earthquake evaluation and tsunami warning message generation, in addition to education programs for emergency services, schools, and the public.
Cindi has also held positions as:
- Senior Duty Scientist, Geologist, Outreach and Education Coordinator at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center on Ford Island, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Education and Outreach Coordinator, for the International Tsunami Information Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Tsunami Program Manager and the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Alaskan Region of the National Weather Service
- National Tsunami Outreach and Education Coordinator
- Geologist and outreach for the United States Geological Survey
- Professor of geology and computer science with the University of Alaska
Cindi has served on many advisory boards and continues to hold seats on the National Tsunami Hazard and Mitigation Program’s Mitigation and Education Subcommittee and the Warning Coordination Committee
Cindi has spent decades passionately teaching geoscience and continues to design and deliver tsunami science and preparedness training for teachers, emergency managers, and the public. She continues to provide Subject Matter Expertise reviewing materials for ATEP/HITEC, the COMET program, National Geographic, CNN, Discovery, multiple TV and radio outlets, Universities and the National Tsunami Hazard and Mitigation Education Committee. She is also frequently requested to speak internationally.
After enjoying 29 winters in Alaska, Cindi now lives in Hilo where she collects sand and loves adventures with her daughter and German Shepherds.
