Mr. Kelly D. McNeese began serving as the 88th RD “Blue Devil’s” Chief of Staff in August 2019 where he provides executive leadership, management, and oversight to the command’s workforce of nearly 1200 Soldiers, Civilians, and contractors that provide base operations support and services to over 52,000 Soldiers across 19 states. His Department of the Army Civilian (DAC) career began in 2007 as the Deputy G3/5/7 Supervisory Operations and Training Officer in the 103d Expeditionary Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa. In 2009 he moved to the Installation Management Command (IMCOM) and served in multiple supervisory and leadership capacities before assuming his current position.
Kelly has over 30 years of active and reserve military service, which began when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1988 and attained the rank of Sergeant before he was selected to attend and subsequently commissioned through Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, GA. During his military career, he served in Germany, Cuba, Hawaii, Romania, and Qatar as well as various CONUS installations. He served in multiple staff positions in operations, training, logistics, and force management. He served as commander of Alpha Company, 27th Main Support Battalion in 1st Cavalry Division; 394th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion; Commandant for the USCENTCOM Forward Headquarters; and culminated his military career commanding the 211th Regional Support Group.
Kelly holds a Master of Science in Organization Development and Leadership (MSODL) from the University of the Incarnate Word and a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. His military education includes the Army Command and General Staff College, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Combined Logistics Officer Advance Course, Infantry Officer Basic Course and the U.S. Army Airborne School.
He has attended numerous supervisory and program management/leadership courses and seminars throughout his career. As a leader with a servant’s heart, he strives to evoke excellence through equipping, empowering, and encouraging others.
His civilian awards include the Army Superior Civilian Service Medal, Commander’s award for Civilian Service, and the Civilian Service Achievement Medal. His military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal (4OLC), Army Commendation Medal (6OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal (2OLC).
He is a Texas native and married to the former Cresencia Perez Semira. Together, they have two beautiful daughters, Kylene and Kalicia. He enjoys traveling, consulting, family time, and church activities.