The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) announced Stan Shepherd as a 2026 Defense Community Champion National Honoree, recognizing more than 15 years of dedicated leadership supporting Fort Gordon and the Augusta, Georgia region.

As a leader of the Alliance for Fort Gordon, Shepherd has played a central role in strengthening partnerships across military, civic, and business communities. His efforts have helped position the region as a national leader in innovation, workforce development, and military support.

Shepherd has advanced transformative initiatives, including the Fort Gordon Cyber District and the Alliance for Cyber Education, which have become national models for K–12 cyber workforce development. These programs have earned consecutive CyberPatriot Center of Excellence of the Year awards and expanded participation from just six teams to more than 120.

Beyond workforce development, Shepherd has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service—volunteering thousands of hours during emergency response efforts such as Hurricane Helene and supporting initiatives that provide critical resources, including hundreds of free laptops to military spouses and local youth.

His leadership and service have been recognized through numerous honors, including the Army Civilian Service Medal, reflecting his lasting contributions to military families and regional success.

“Stan Shepherd’s leadership has made a profound and lasting impact on both Fort Gordon and the broader community,” said ADC President Thomas Ford. “His dedication to partnership, innovation, and service exemplifies what it means to be a Defense Community Champion.”

The Defense Community Champion program recognizes individuals who strengthen military installations and the communities that support them. National Honorees represent the highest level of achievement within the program.