Daniel Sheppard

Bio

Dan Sheppard leads the Laboratory Shift Superintendent Department at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  He assumed this role in December 2023 after serving as the interim leader since September 2022. His tenure with the office began in March 2011, marking a progressive journey within the organization where he notably co-authored the ORNL Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER) plan.  Prior to this, Dan spent a year as the Drill & Exercise Coordinator for the ORNL Emergency Management team.

In March 2003, Dan began his service at ORNL in the Protective Force. As a Protective Force Captain, he was instrumental in establishing the ORNL Security Police Officer phased training program, which significantly enhanced the efficiency of the organization. During his six-year stint as the Protective Force Training Captain, he played a pivotal role in the refinement of opposition force operations, setting the security standard across the Department of Energy complex. 

Prior to ORNL, Dan served in the United States Army from 1996-2001.  As a Military Police Investigator, Dan contributed significantly to the Drug Suppression Team and spearheaded the Juvenile Crimes section as its Chief. This leadership role underscored his commitment to addressing critical issues and enforcing law and order within the military community. Following his military service, he dedicated his efforts to combating animal cruelty and dogfighting as a humane investigator in Oneida County, NY. He further expanded his investigative skills into insurance fraud across Kentucky and Tennessee as a licensed private investigator.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Purdue University and a Master of Science in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management from Eastern Kentucky University, complemented by a professional certificate in Homeland Security.