David R. Shedd

David R. Shedd is a retired U.S. intelligence officer with nearly 33 years of government service across multiple prestigious agencies. He holds a B.A. from Geneva College and an M.A. in Latin American Studies from Georgetown University. His career began with overseas postings at U.S. embassies in Costa Rica and Mexico from 1984 to 1993, followed by leadership roles within the CIA, including Chief of Congressional Liaison.

From February 2001 to May 2005, Shedd served at the National Security Council as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Intelligence Programs and Reform, where he was instrumental in implementing intelligence reforms following the 9/11 Commission report and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. He subsequently held key positions as Chief of Staff and Acting Director of the Intelligence Staff to the Director of National Intelligence (2005-2007), and as Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Policy, Plans, and Requirements (2007-2010), where he oversaw the formulation of major Intelligence Community policies and led the review of Executive Order 12333.

In August 2014, Shedd was named Acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency following four years as Deputy Director. Since his retirement in January 2015, he has maintained an active role in national security through consulting, academic contributions, board memberships at Geneva College and Patrick Henry College, and international engagements. His recent authorship of 'The Great Heist' reflects his continued focus on emerging intelligence challenges, particularly regarding Chinese espionage threats to American interests.