John C Shepherd
Millbrook
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at Headquarters Air University, excelling in program management and strategic communication. Proven track record in data governance strategy and e-learning techniques, driving significant improvements in data accessibility and user performance. Recognized for fostering collaboration and enhancing decision-making capabilities across diverse teams. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief, IT Policy and Data Strategy, GS-2210-13
Headquarters Air University
Montgomery
03.2024 - Current
- Spearheaded the implementation of a centralized data warehouse, consolidating disparate data sources to streamline reporting, improve data accessibility, and enhance decision-making capabilities. Anticipated benefits include improved data accuracy, faster query performance, and a scalable infrastructure to support advanced analytics and future growth.
- Developed and implemented a data retention policy for the enterprise Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring compliance with institutional regulations and privacy standards. The policy optimizes data storage, enhances security, and defines retention periods, supporting efficient data management and minimizing legal risks associated with outdated or unnecessary data.
- Led the creation and enforcement of an enterprise Learning Management System (LMS) use policy, establishing guidelines for data access, user responsibilities, and content management. This policy ensures consistent use of the LMS, protects institutional data, and promotes adherence to best practices, while fostering a secure and productive digital learning environment.
- Directed the development of the Air University Data Strategy, outlining a comprehensive framework for data governance, management, and utilization across the institution. The strategy aligns data initiatives with organizational goals, enhances data-driven decision-making, improves data quality, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards, positioning the university for future technological advancements and innovation.
- Established the Air University Data Governance Board, bringing together key stakeholders to oversee data policies, standards, and best practices across the organization. This initiative ensures consistent data management, promotes accountability, and enhances data quality, security, and compliance, fostering a collaborative approach to achieving strategic data objectives.
- Led the development of Air University's initial data governance framework, establishing foundational policies, roles, and responsibilities for data management across the institution. This evolving framework ensures data accuracy, security, and regulatory compliance while fostering a culture of data stewardship that supports ongoing strategic decision-making and operational improvements.
- Established the Data Citizens program, designating organizational data stewards to serve as subject matter experts and liaisons for data management within their respective departments. These stewards ensure data quality, consistency, and compliance, while promoting best practices and facilitating collaboration across the organization to enhance data-driven decision-making.
- Completed Data Steward training, equipping myself with advanced skills in data governance, management, and compliance. This training enhances my ability to oversee data quality, enforce policies, and support data-driven initiatives, positioning me to effectively lead data governance efforts and optimize organizational data practices in my role as Data Officer
Branch Chief, Enterprise Cloud Services, GS-2210-13
Headquarters Air University
Montgomery
03.2021 - 03.2024
- Collaborated with a cross-functional team on a transformative 24-month, $36 million initiative to modernize Air University’s student management infrastructure. This ambitious effort successfully delivered a sophisticated Student Life Cycle Management (SLcM) system, supporting over 374,000 full-time equivalent Department of Defense (DoD) students.
- Authored organizational policies and protocols that rigorously complied with applicable legal and regulatory prerequisites. Conducted comprehensive briefings and training programs for senior leaders and commanders, enhancing data and information-sharing across Air University. This proactive approach ensured that the scope and significance of the organizational change management efforts were effectively communicated to external stakeholders, thereby enhancing data and information-sharing across the board.
- Led the design and development of the Air University Student Information System training program, supporting a cornerstone project that provides a new foundation for AU’s growth and continued success. Created 157 self-paced simulations and 119 business process job aids, improving user performance.
- Facilitated the creation of an education coalition, fostering collaboration and scholarship between headquarters elements and school representatives. Conducted briefings on project updates with executive leadership. Recognized for establishing positive partnerships across organizations through a hands-on approach to customer outreach, creating direct pathways for open communication.
Branch Chief, Plans and Programs, GS-2210-13
Headquarters Air University
Montgomery
06.2018 - 03.2021
- Responsible for coordinating, monitoring, scheduling, and reviewing the status of AU projects and programs totaling $2.9M. Managed a team of government employees and contractors supporting the acquisition and delivery of enterprise education applications.
- Orchestrated a coalition between USMA, USAFA, and NDU to acquire M365 Office suite for education, supporting a cost avoidance of $64M across DoD academic environments, resulting in a direct cost saving to Air University of $8.3M.
- Drove the successful execution of multiple M365 Business Use Case Workshops, leveraging EITaaS Change Management resources to boost M365 user adoption by 300%. Scaled technology communication across Air University through town halls, Learning Technology Working Groups, and technology forums, fostering widespread engagement. Developed and enforced policies and standards that secured the M365 platform, ensuring alignment with Air University’s education and training objectives while maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Directed the enterprise-wide implementation of the AU Canvas Learning Management System, delivering support for over 374,000 full-time equivalent DoD students. Led a cross-functional team and key stakeholders to accelerate the deployment of 27 out of 34 education programs, completing the project months ahead of schedule. This swift execution enabled the decommissioning of a legacy system, resulting in significant cost savings and paving the way for future learning technology modernization. Regularly briefed senior leadership on key milestones, project impacts, and necessary policy adjustments, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
- Provided critical technical guidance on contracting regulations to streamline university acquisitions, accelerating project timelines by adapting the Air Force Business Capability Acquisition Cycle (BCAC) process. Established a standardized, repeatable workflow for system planning, design, acquisition, testing, and deployment, ensuring adherence to Air Force policies and compliance with Secretary of the Air Force directives, significantly improving the division’s acquisition efficiency.
Associate Registrar, GS-0301-13
Headquarters Air University
Montgomery
06.2015 - 06.2018
- Directed personnel activities and registrar functions, ensuring alignment with AU academic policies and compliance standards. Managed the Air University Registrar Education Program Management System (AUREPM), securing the confidentiality and integrity of over 3 million student records. Spearheaded a communication campaign to educate AU leadership, deans, and support personnel on registrar operations and policies, enhancing institutional awareness and compliance.
- Decentralized registrar support services, introducing streamlined business processes that reduced customer response times by an average of three days. Conducted in-depth research into DoD, Federal, and higher education regulations, developing a model that optimized the student education life cycle within AU. Designed a new student registration and graduation process, reducing error rates from 32% to 18%, while eliminating policy inconsistencies that improved compliance with SACS/COC accreditation standards.
- Led the management of technical enhancements and modifications to the AUREPM system for 23 organizations, ensuring alignment with Air University policy changes and supporting the deployment of new and revised curricula across the institution.
- Strategically planned, assigned, and scheduled work assignments for Registrar services staff, setting and adjusting short-term priorities to meet deadlines. Conducted quality checks to ensure production and accuracy standards were consistently met. Provided guidance and instruction to subordinates on administrative matters and duties, enhancing overall team performance and productivity.
- Cultivated a collaborative work environment that encouraged creativity and innovation. Coordinated with key staff offices to ensure adherence to academic regulations and policies, maintaining compliance with SACS/COC accreditation standards across the institution.
Instructional Systems Specialist, GS-1750-12
Headquarters Air University
Montgomery
07.2012 - 06.2015
- Created an enterprise-level Program Management Review process. The program management review is a structured program review conducted with all key stakeholders, providing insight into managing specific program milestones on a predictable schedule. Provided a descriptive snapshot of the organization's resource expenditures and IT trends, increasing the capability resolution rate by 20%. Briefed senior leadership on Program Management effectiveness and scope of schedule impacts.
- Developed and maintained collaborative working relationships with faculty, course directors, commanders, and deans at all levels of the organization. Leads high-level program management sessions to analyze and coordinate software change requests to maintain and sustain multiple organizations' automated information systems.
- Created an outreach strategy to connect business process owners and key stakeholders to collaborate, combine, and develop standard technical requirements across organizations. This collaborative effort drove the acquisition of hardware add-ons, software changes, and the resolution of stakeholder issues.
- Analyzed and approved project plans for conformance with program strategies, plans, and schedules. Led the organization using a direct approach and removing the "no" mentality from the team's vocabulary. Results were immediately visible through strengthened relationships and reduced student admission and enrollment failures.
- Developed detailed training plans for employees to support the cross-utilization of duties to junior and senior team members. This rotational training focused on expanding skillsets while improving the level of service provided to the customer. Recognized as a leader focused on customer satisfaction, ensuring successful projects and a more skilled workforce.
Instructional Innovations Analyst/Program Manager, GS-1750-12
Headquarters Air University
Montgomery
06.2009 - 07.2012
- Led the R&D process for developing a multi-user virtual environment to support educational research in virtual spaces. Created an invaluable user experience to improve AU faculty and students' social, educational, and empowerment experiences. The development of the virtual simulation environment, Huffman Prairie, earned the learning innovations team the Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning award.
- Successfully developed and delivered an augmented reality solution to support the training demand for 900 disaster recovery augmentees. Worked collaboratively with multiple subject matter experts to translate highly technical concepts and processes into an intuitive and flexible application. Incorporated the Apple iPad with the IOS platform to support rapid mobility realism, portability, and standardization across the curriculum.
- Researched mobile technology and its efficacy to support an enterprise Bring Your Own Device program. Investigated and reported on the attitudes, perceptions, and availability of mobile devices in education to support implementing an enterprise BYOD program. The research findings provided leadership with data to support the implementation of BYOD framework. This work was recognized by EDUCAUSE and resulted in an invitation to present the findings during its Southeast Regional Conference.
- Created uses for QR Code technology. Exploiting the benefits of mobile technology, implemented an onboarding and orientation application that would allow for rapid access to information for new students. Scanning the QR code allowed the student to download an orientation checklist, class schedule, and emergency information.
Associate Director
AT&T Mobility
Atlanta
05.2007 - 04.2009
- Responsible for the management and execution of AT&T national customer-owned and retail store sales training. Recognized by leadership for excellence in managing training projects and facilitating improved communication between regional sales staff and training personnel.
- Excelled at project management by determining the client's desired goals, identifying strategic opportunities, and obtaining appropriate business owner approval.
- Architect of the AT&T National Retail Store Manager's curriculum. Implemented innovative distance learning strategies, collaborative resources, and teaching methods. The training was part of establishing the AT&T training campus supporting area and regional managers. The curriculum design was based on a blended learning strategy merging classroom training with in-store practical application techniques.
- Offered extensive program leadership and meticulous oversight, along with delivering detailed developmental feedback and assignments to instructional designers. Emphasizing the importance of task completion and ongoing progress, I relied on milestones and action plans to guide and shape the project.
Senior Instructional Designer
AT&T Mobility
Atlanta
10.2005 - 05.2007
- Lead instructional designer with experience delivering customer service, networking, and sales curriculum. Executed analysis, design, development, maintenance, and project management of training for the Wireless Business Customer Services curriculum. Utilized various instructional design and delivery techniques, including web-based, instructor-led training, instructional simulations, virtual conferencing, and training communications. Lead designer for the launch of Microsoft Surface technology in retail stores, providing a unique customer experience.
- Orchestrated the design and development of the training curriculum for Dish Satellite in partnership with Dish Network. Collaborated with internal and external agencies and leaders to provide solutions to complex business problems.
- Responsible for facilitating and coordinating train-the-trainer sessions for internal and external vendors. Recognized as a Cingular Wireless Key Contributor for departmental achievement in design and development.
Education
EdD - Instructional Technology
University of West Florida
FL01.2022
EdS - Educational Specialist
University of West Florida
FL01.2018
MS - Adult Education
Troy State University
Montgomery, AL01.2004
BS - Workforce Education and Training
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL01.2003
Skills
- Program and project management
- Strategic communication
- Learning theory
- Instructional technology
- Agile methodologies
- Data governance strategy
- E-learning techniques
- High-level communication
- Education technology integration
- Learning needs assessment
Certification
- 2005, Master's Certificate in Project Management, Villanova University, Philadelphia, PA
- 2013, Human Performance Technology Certificate, University of West Florida, FL
- 2020, Security Plus
References
Excellent personal and professional references are available upon request.
Awards
- 2020, AU Civilian CAT III Supervisor of the Year
- 2020, AETC Civilian CAT III Supervisor of the Year
- 2022, Received Quality Step Increase
Timeline
Chief, IT Policy and Data Strategy, GS-2210-13
Headquarters Air University
03.2024 - Current
Branch Chief, Enterprise Cloud Services, GS-2210-13
Headquarters Air University
03.2021 - 03.2024
Branch Chief, Plans and Programs, GS-2210-13
Headquarters Air University
06.2018 - 03.2021
Associate Registrar, GS-0301-13
Headquarters Air University
06.2015 - 06.2018
Instructional Systems Specialist, GS-1750-12
Headquarters Air University
07.2012 - 06.2015
Instructional Innovations Analyst/Program Manager, GS-1750-12
Headquarters Air University
06.2009 - 07.2012
Associate Director
AT&T Mobility
05.2007 - 04.2009
Senior Instructional Designer
AT&T Mobility
10.2005 - 05.2007
EdD - Instructional Technology
University of West Florida
EdS - Educational Specialist
University of West Florida
MS - Adult Education
Troy State University
BS - Workforce Education and Training
Southern Illinois University