Owens F. Shepard a.k.a. “Shep”, is an experienced professional with a diverse background in military services and the security industry. Born in Rochester, New York, Shep began his journey in 1986 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he led his platoon for the entire 8 weeks of Basic Training and later served as a Combat Engineer until 1989.  Little did he know his military experience would lay the foundation for a remarkable career in security and leadership.

Following his military service, Shep transitioned into the realm of nightlife security, starting as a bouncer in 1991 and progressively climbing the ranks to Head of Security and Night Club Manager within a few short years. Concurrently, he began his tenure as an Event Security Guard for the Rochester War Memorial (now named Blue Cross Arena) from 1991 to 2000. During this period, he also supervised an event security team for Metropolitan Entertainment from 1999 to 2003.

Shep’s expertise expanded to providing close personal protection for performing artists and other VIPs with radio station WDKX, Irving Bernstein Productions, and other entities between 1992 and 1999. In May 1995, he embarked on a new chapter by joining the Rochester City School District as a School Sentry, contributing to the safety and well-being of students and staff.

In 1998, recognizing the need for comprehensive training in the security field, Shep founded the Enterprise School of Security Guard Training. This New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services certified school became a reputable institution under his guidance, with Shep serving as the lead instructor.

In August 2001, Shep transitioned to the Charter School of Science and Technology, assuming the role of Security Manager. His dedication to security and leadership skills did not go unnoticed, leading to his appointment as the Director of Security for the Penfield Central School District in December 2001. Shepard held this position for an impressive 5 1/2 years, surpassing the tenure of his predecessors by 4 1/2 years.

In 2008, Shep took on the role of Lead School Safety Officer at the Rochester City School District, leading a mobile security unit that responded to security events at schools across the city until 2010.

In 2017, Shep rebranded the Enterprise School of Security Guard Training as Enterprise Security Consulting and Training Inc., obtaining a license as a New York State Private Investigator. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence were further highlighted in 2021 when he created and oversaw the Special Response Unit, providing security, asset protection, and evidence collection for Catholic Health during the healthcare strike of 2021.

In 2020, Shep took on the role of Safety and Security for Catholic Family Center (Now Catholic Charities Family and Community Services), where he currently serves 32 programs across several counties. This position, held concurrently with running and expanding his business reach into New York City, Florida, and Vermont, showcases Shepard’s ability to balance diverse responsibilities and his ongoing commitment to ensuring safety and security in various settings.

Beyond his professional achievements, Shep believes in giving back to his community by supporting programs such as school supply giveaways, Alpha Phi Alpha Educational Foundation, and providing job opportunities to help individuals better themselves.

Owens F. Shepard is a family man, married to Lakisha Shepard, a Deputy Sheriff Jailor with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Together, they are the proud parents of 10 children, embodying Shep’s commitment to both professional success and a fulfilling personal life.