On March 30, 2026, the prestigious Neil Frank Award was presented at the National Hurricane Conference to Megan, the widow of the late Ethan Gibney, a CPAESS scientist at the National Hurricane Center’s Storm Surge Unit. The award represents the highest honor bestowed by the National Hurricane Conference, recognizing truly exceptional contributions to hurricane preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation at a national or international scale.

Named after former National Hurricane Center director Neil Frank, the award celebrates individuals whose work has significantly improved public safety and awareness in the face of some of the most dangerous natural hazards. Storm surge—the abnormal rise of seawater driven by a storm—remains the leading cause of hurricane-related fatalities, accounting for nearly half of all deaths in U.S. tropical cyclones. Advances in forecasting, modeling, and communication are therefore critical to saving lives.

Ethan Gibney’s work exemplified that lifesaving impact. As shared by Jamie Rhome, Deputy Director of the National Hurricane Center, “Ethan built the storm surge grid for Jamaica and was on the front lines of much of our initial efforts to expand SLOSH internationally.” These efforts were instrumental in extending critical storm surge modeling capabilities beyond the United States, helping vulnerable coastal regions better understand and prepare for hurricane impacts.

Ethan’s contributions to storm surge modeling—including his work with the SLOSH (Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes) system—represent a lasting legacy of science in service to society. His work has helped improve forecasting accuracy, inform evacuation planning, and ultimately protect communities from one of the most dangerous aspects of hurricanes.

The CPAESS community is deeply grateful for Ethan’s dedication, expertise, and the meaningful impact of his work. This recognition stands as a powerful tribute to Ethan’s life and his enduring contributions to protecting lives and communities around the world.