David R. Shedd – The Cipher Brief

David R. Shedd
Former Acting Director, Defense Intelligence Agency

David R. Shedd served in the U.S. government for nearly 33 years. In August 2014, he was named Acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency following four years of service as Deputy Director. Until January 2015, he led the Defense Intelligence Enterprise workforce comprising more than 16,500 military and civilian employees worldwide.

From May 2007 to August 2010, Shedd served as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Deputy Director for Policy, Plans and Requirements. Prior to that, Shedd served in a number of capacities in the DNI, National Security Council, CIA, and in U.S. embassies overseas.

Since leaving the federal government in February 2015, Shedd has been serving as a Heritage Foundation Distinguished Fellow and an Adjunct Professor at Patrick Henry College. He works as an independent national security consultant, serves on several corporate Boards, and is actively supporting several Missions/NGOs such as Justice & Mercy International and Samaritan’s Purse.

More From David R. Shedd

Where Al Qaeda and Affiliates Stand Today: A Conversation with David Shedd

September 4, 2018September 3, 2018

While not in the headlines every day, al Qaeda operatives are still the targets of somewhat regular military operations in places like Yemen. The U.S. carried out a series of air strikes against al...

Economic Development in West Africa Can Counter Terror

September 14, 2017November 6, 2017

This analysis is Cipher Brief Level I Member Only content. It can be accessed via login or by signing up to become a Cipher Brief Member. Joining this high-level, security-focused community is only...

Technology, New FBI Powers Needed to Combat Terror

June 4, 2017November 6, 2017

This analysis is Cipher Brief Level I Member Only content. It can be accessed via login or by signing up to become a Cipher Brief Member. Joining this high-level, security-focused community is only...

Facing the New Reality of Homegrown Terrorism

August 25, 2016July 25, 2017

“If you know the enemy and know yourself,” Sun Tzu once wrote, “you need not fear the results of a hundred battles.” When it comes to the War on Terrorism, unfortunately, we...