Brennan Shepard named chief of staff for University Operations
Brennan Shepard has been named chief of staff for University Operations. He officially began his new role on Aug. 25.
As chief of staff, Shepard will provide increased flexibility to the Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the day-to-day administrative functions and engaging across campus and beyond. In this role, he will lead critical projects across University Operations and advance the priorities and initiatives of the office and the division.
“I am thrilled that Brennan has agreed to stay in this role long term, having served in an interim capacity since April. Early in my tenure, I conducted a national search for the position and was unable to find someone who had the skills and demeanor that Brennan brings to the position,” said Amy Sebring, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “His ability to think strategically and work collaboratively comes, in part, from his understanding and experience at Virginia Tech. In addition, during his four months in the interim role, he has demonstrated a keen ability to look for effective solutions that serve the needs of our staff, faculty, and students.”
Shepard was most recently director of financial planning in the Office of Budget and Financial Planning and has served in various roles in the Finance Division over the past 15 years. While earning his MBA, Shepard was named the graduate student representative to the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors for the 2007-08 academic year and served as a graduate assistant in the Department of Internal Audit. He has prior experience in business management and as a legislative assistant in the Virginia General Assembly, where he supported a member of the Virginia House of Delegates during the 2002 and 2003 General Assembly sessions.
“I’m fortunate to have learned from many talented leaders and colleagues over the years at Virginia Tech and am humbled by Amy’s confidence in me to serve the university in this new role,” said Shepard. “I look forward to supporting the incredible University Operations team and continuing to contribute to this university that has given me so much.”
Shepard holds an MBA in organizational leadership from the Pamplin College of Business and a bachelor's degree in political science from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. He hails from a family of Hokies – his father, two brothers, and wife are alumni.
