Wilcox Industries Corp., manufacturer of specialty defense material, is proud to announce that William “Shep” Shepherd has joined its team as vice president of advanced development and restricted programs. Shepherd's career includes service as a Navy SEAL and a NASA astronaut.
“Shep’s experience and knowledge of special operations, aerospace, and defense activities will add unique depth to Wilcox’s development team. We are continuing to grow into new technology areas and we know that Shep will be instrumental in this process,” said Jim Teetzel, Wilcox CEO.
Capt. Shepherd’s career began as a Navy SEAL Officer with both East and West coast SEAL teams. In 1984, he was selected by NASA for the astronaut program. He flew three space shuttle missions and was program manager for the International Space Station. In 2000 he commanded the first expedition to the new station. He later served as U.S. Special Operations Command’s science advisor, managing its science and technology portfolio.
Shepherd holds degrees in aerospace, mechanical, and ocean engineering from the Naval Academy and MIT. He has received many military and civilian awards including the Goddard and Collier trophies, and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.
Wilcox is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of high quality tactical equipment for special operators and first responders in the defense and law enforcement sectors.