Neil Clineman

Neil Clineman

Program Manager

As a program manager at the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Neil’s primary responsibility is leading a team that provides comprehensive support to the Office of the Secretary of Defense Environmental Planning and Conservation Office on the DoD Wildland Fire Program. This includes policy development, strategic planning, program analysis, research innovations, and educational initiatives. These efforts aim to ensure landscape resilience in support of sustaining the military mission.

With over 20 years of experience in natural resources and wildland fire management, Neil brings a wealth of diverse expertise to his role. Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of working with a range of organizations, including state and federal agencies, local governments, NGOs, and the private sector. This broad experience has given him a unique perspective on the field.

In the past decade, Neil worked with the Colorado State University Center of Environmental Management of Military Lands program. During this time, he played a direct role in supporting the establishment of national-level programs for both the Air Force Wildland Fire Branch and the Army's HQ Installation Management Command. His management experience encompasses roles such as Field Operations and Fire Program Manager at The Nature Conservancy, Regional Fire Management Officer, National Fire Training Specialist, and Fire Management Specialist supporting Air Force and Army programs.

Neil is deeply passionate about building and leading teams, mentoring personnel, and promoting strong ecological fire management practices while preserving the art of fire management. He holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree from the University of Cincinnati, with a focus on communication.

Neil resides in Northern Kentucky with his wife Dawn and their two children. During his free time, he indulges in his hobbies, which include cooking various dishes on the smoker, woodworking, spending time on the water, coaching youth sports, and cherishing moments with his family.