Washington, D.C. — The Congressional Fire Services Institute Board of Directors has elected Chris Neal as its newest board member. Currently serving as Director of Fire Protection Publications at Oklahoma State University, Mr. Neal fills a board vacancy following the retirement of Arthur J. Glatfelter from the CFSI board in December 2007. In addition to his role as Director of Fire Protection Publications, Chief Neal is the Executive Director of the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA).

A former fire chief of both the Claremore and Stillwater (OK) Fire Departments, Mr. Neal holds a master's degree in political science, a bachelor's in organizational administration, and an associate's in fire protection technology and safety engineering from OSU. He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program.

"My colleagues and I welcome Chris to the CFSI Board of Directors and look forward to the contributions he will make to our organization," said CFSI President Bill Jenaway. "His knowledge of the fire service and understanding and support of CFSI's role within the fire service community were two determining factors in the Board's decision."

Established in 1989, the Congressional Fire Services Institute is a nonprofit policy institute designed to educate members of Congress about our nation's fire and emergency services. It is among the leading organizations in advocating for the FIRE Act, SAFER, the Hometown Heroes Program, and other national level issues that are critical to the fire and emergency services community. It is also the host the annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner held each year in our nation's capitol.

Additional information about CFSI is available on its website (www.cfsi.org)