Two Marine Corps veterans and Hoover Fellows, Dave Winnacker and Donnie Hasseltine, break down California’s wildfire crisis—not from a sensational angle, but with sharp insight on what’s really at stake. They reveal how outdated fire strategies, rising insurance costs, and inaction are creating a perfect storm that could implode the state’s housing market. Drawing from their Hoover fellowship capstone, they explain why the solution isn’t more tech—it’s micro-level action and community-wide coordination. From defense-in-depth analogies to pricing risk through insurance markets, this conversation will change how you think about climate risk, public policy, and collective responsibility.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Frontline Voices is part of the Veteran Fellowship Program at the Hoover Institution. Applications to join the 2025 Cohort of the Veteran Fellow Program is now available until July 31, 2025. Click here to apply.

ABOUT THE GUESTS

Dave Winnacker is a retired fire chief with over two decades of service across California, most recently leading the Moraga-Orinda Fire District. A former Marine Corps infantry officer and senior reserve commander, he also served in key wildfire leadership roles at the state level. As a Hoover Institution Veteran Fellow at Stanford, he focuses on the intersection of wildfire and property insurance. He co-founded XyloPlan Risk and helped launch ZoneHaven, an evacuation software used across California.

Donnie Hasseltine is a cybersecurity executive, Marine Corps combat veteran, and seasoned operator with over 20 years of leadership across military, tech, and security sectors. He has led high-performing teams in crisis environments and brings deep expertise in B2B SaaS, cybersecurity strategy, and enterprise risk. A Hoover Institution Veteran Fellow at Stanford, Donnie focuses on applying military and tech-driven insights to public sector challenges. He also co-founded ZoneHaven and XyloPlan Risk, pioneering tools for wildfire risk and community safety.

In this powerful episode, Navy veteran and middle school principal Trevor Clayton joins Frontline Voices to share how his military service prepared him for the battle to transform public education. Trevor opens up about his childhood influences, the moment he knew he wanted to teach, and the challenges students face in Title I schools. From celebrating small wins to fighting harmful labels, Trevor breaks down how he and his team instill confidence and excellence, one student at a time. This episode is a reminder that veterans still have battles worth fighting—this time, for our kids.

Recorded on April 9, 2025.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Trevor Clayton is a Navy veteran and public school principal with over 16 years of experience in education. Raised between New York City and New Orleans, Trevor served 24 years in the U.S. Navy, first as an enlisted sailor and later as a commissioned engineering officer, before transitioning to the classroom. Inspired by his eighth-grade teacher, Mr. Evans, he now leads Title I schools with a mission to instill confidence, normalize excellence, and create equitable pathways for students from all backgrounds. Known for his hands-on leadership, compassionate discipline, and commitment to celebrating small wins, Trevor champions public education as a foundation for opportunity and social impact.

In this inspiring episode of Frontline Voices, Dr. Condoleezza Rice joins the show to discuss the origins of the Hoover Institution’s Veteran Fellowship Program and the themes from her book Extraordinary, Ordinary People. She reflects on the power of mentorship, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why every veteran, regardless of background—deserves a seat at the table. Dr. Rice also opens up about her upbringing in segregated Birmingham, the enduring values of faith, family, and education, and the responsibility of lifting others as we climb. This episode is a call to action for anyone committed to service, leadership, and legacy.

Recorded on April 29, 2025.

ABOUT THE GUEST

Dr. Condoleezza Rice is the Director of the Hoover Institution and a Senior Fellow in Public Policy at Stanford University. She served as the 66th U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor under President George W. Bush, becoming the first Black woman to hold each role. A longtime Stanford professor and former provost, Dr. Rice has authored several best-selling books and remains active in public service, business, and education. She is a founding partner at Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel LLC and serves on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Rice holds a Ph.D. in political science and over 15 honorary doctorates.