Earlier this week, we received the news that beloved pillar in the field—Dennis Mileti—died of COVID-19 complications on January 30, 2021 at the age of 75.

Our founder, Norma Doneghy Anderson, had these words to share about Dennis:

Dennis was a stellar teacher, professor, researcher, coach, counselor, Bill Anderson Fund Board Member and my personal confidant. He brought such great insight in his tenure as a Board Member with us. He so readily accepted the BAF Fellows’ requests to be a mentor and they were shocked. I remember them asking “What should we say to him?” It was too funny.

One of our Fellows, Oronde Drakes, received a call back from Dennis once. Dennis was his mentor and Oronde was with a professor at the time who almost dropped to his knees seeing that THE Dennis Mileti had called the PhD student who was standing before his eyes!

I, of course, met Dennis through my husband William A. Anderson (Bill) many years ago. Dennis not only had hair then, but it was a golden color. I always looked forward to seeing him at the Hazards Workshop.

Dennis was such a special guy. He would always tell you the truth—always!

I will miss him so much.

—Norma

Dennis Mileti was a major contributor to the Hazards and Disasters field and worked with a vast array of organizations nationally and globally to reduce and eliminate suffering caused by horrific climate and environmental impacts. Two notable presentations are below:

• Modernizing Public Warning Messaging
• Study of Terrorism and Response to Terror report on Public Response to Terrorism at the National Press Club

Dennis will be sorely missed by our entire community and by all involved with the BAF.

In the photo above, Dennis pays tribute to Bill Anderson at the Natural Hazards Research & Applications Workshop in July 2014.