Neal Rickner

Marine Corps

Columbia University

MBA | M.S., International Affairs

“The Tillman Scholar community has been a source of inspiration for me to achieve, engage and lead. I see what my fellow Tillman Scholars are doing and first have to get over my imposter syndrome, and then just get to work.”

Neal Rickner is a technology entrepreneur and investor who specializes in energy and defense tech. Neal is currently the CEO of Airloom Energy, an early stage wind technology company that has the potential to disrupt the utility-scale wind energy market. Before Airloom, Neal served as the CEO of BridgeTek Energy and the Managing Partner of Elevation Ventures. Prior to these roles, Neal spent nearly a decade at Google and Google[x] leading teams and developing energy projects.

Prior to working in tech, Neal served 12 years on active duty in the US Marine Corps as an F/A-18 pilot and forward air controller. He completed three tours in Iraq between 2003 and 2007, earning the Bronze Star and (13) Air Medals. He transitioned from active duty in 2009, earning dual masters degrees (business and international affairs) from Columbia University.

Neal is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a Tillman Scholar. He serves on the Advisory boards of Vets in Tech, the Indian University’s Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship, and the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP).