Bill Whitacre

About Bill Whitacre

I am a seasoned advisor specializing in natural resource management and wildfire strategy, with a strong expereince in policy development, implementation, and on-the-ground operations.My background includes eight seasons as a wildland firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service, leadership of regional natural resource policy initiatives at the Western Governors’ Association, senior state government service as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, and national coalition leadership as the first Executive Director of the Forest-Climate Working Group.Through Whitacre Resource Strategies, I advise startups, nonprofits, and public agencies on wildfire, forest and rangeland management, conservation, and public lands strategy — with an emphasis on practical implementation within real institutional and political constraints.

Experience

1. Founder & Principal

   Whitacre Resource Strategies

   Feb 2026 — Present

   Whitacre Resource Strategies provides senior-level advisory services on wildfire risk, forest and rangeland management, and wildfire-related policy and program design.I advise startups, state and local governments, and nonprofits on navigating the operational, institutional, and political realities that shape wildfire outcomes. Engagements are structured as focused projects or part-time strategic advisory roles, emphasizing judgment, positioning, and implementable strategy.

Education

• University of Denver

  Master of Science (MS), Environmental Policy and Management

  2011 — 2015

• Fort Lewis College

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Philosophy, Art

  2002 — 2006

Skills

• Conservation Issues
• Policy
• Environmental Education
• Public Speaking
• Research
• Environmental Awareness
• Community Outreach
• Sustainability
• Gis
• Government
• Search & Rescue
• Volunteer Management
• Policy Analysis
• Ecology
• Fire Management
• Fire Suppression Systems
• Wildland Fire
• Grants
• Emergency Medical
• Public Policy