As extension associate for the institutes, Clay Thompson supports the Regional Readiness Cooperative (RRC) between Texas A&M University, North Carolina State University and various military and state agencies. He also supports the new military-centered land management graduate course work.

Before joining the Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources in June 2011, Thompson served in the United States Air Force, and he is currently is a member of the Texas Air National Guard.

Thompson received a bachelor of science in forestry (forest resource management) from Texas A&M University.