Professional Affiliation

Executive Officer for the Office of Polar Programs, Division of Geo Sciences, National Science Foundation

Expert Bio

Colonel Paul R. Sheppard, USAF, retired, is the Executive Officer for the Office of Polar Programs (NSF/OPP) within the Division of Geo Sciences (NSF/GEO) in the National Science Foundation (NSF). In this role, he coordinates and synchronizes the internal and external activities of OPP staff supporting the U.S. Government’s polar research. He participates in NSF policy development and management for both the Arctic and Antarctic. Prior to this appointment, he was the Chief Program Manager for the U.S. Antarctic Program.  In this role, he was responsible for contract oversight and support for U.S. operations throughout the continent of Antarctica. He had managerial oversight of Department of Defense, U.S. Coast Guard, and Antarctic Services Corporation (Leidos Corp.) logistical and operational support.  He joined the National Science Foundation in 2011 following 28 years of military service culminating with his position as the Deputy Commander, JTF Support Forces Antarctica and Commander, Thirteenth Air Expeditionary Group, HQ PACAF, Hickam AFB, HI.