Our People

Leaders at Shepard

At Shepard, our greatest strength is our people—their talent, dedication, and diverse perspectives drive our success. Our executive leadership and board of directors build on this foundation to shape our vision, spark innovation, and create opportunities for growth, both for our associates and the customers we serve. Learn more about the leaders guiding our future.

Executive Leaders

Kevin Bird

Chief Executive Officer

Kevin Bird

Chief Executive Officer

Appointed CEO in 2022, Kevin brings over two decades of industry experience to optimize business efficiency and drive growth in dynamic markets. His forward-focused vision fosters a positive culture that improves outcomes for customers. He previously served as Shepard's Executive Vice President of Sales, where he championed innovation and customer satisfaction.

Steve Margos

Chief Operations Officer

Steve Margos

Chief Operations Officer

Appointed COO in 2022, Steve optimizes internal operational processes while leading customer-facing operations and vendor relationships. His leadership at Shepard dates back to 2013, bringing over 15 years of event operations expertise to the role. Steve's comprehensive understanding of operations, built from hands-on experience starting in event rigging, drives Shepard's continued operational excellence and future success.

Ty Meeks

Chief Financial Officer

Ty Meeks

Chief Financial Officer

Appointed CFO in 2023, Ty brings extensive accounting and finance expertise to drive Shepard's financial strategy and operational efficiency. He focuses on building strong teams, implementing effective controls, and using data-driven insights to optimize costs and fuel growth. Ty's leadership experience in establishing financial processes and navigating complex business landscapes positions him to deliver measurable results for stakeholders.

Frances Maestre

Executive Vice President, Sales & Client Services

Frances Maestre

Executive Vice President, Sales & Client Services

As Executive Vice President of Sales & Client Services, Frances cultivates seamless cross-functional collaboration while prioritizing client success. With over a decade of experience in the exposition industry, she excels in consultative client relationships and previously managed 150+ major-market events. Frances is a driving force behind Shepard's growth, positioning the company as the industry's most innovative and customer-centric event partner.

Ray Williams

Senior Vice President, Operations

Ray Williams

Senior Vice President, Operations

As Senior Vice President of Operations, Ray leads the development of operational plans and global strategy for building high-volume operation systems. He drives efficiency initiatives through strategic collaboration, leveraging data to standardize procedures that enhance the on-site experience. With over 16 years at Shepard in various operational roles, Ray brings deep understanding of operational intricacies that contribute to the organization's success and sustained growth.

Sarah Feske

Senior Vice President, Account Production

Sarah Feske

Senior Vice President, Account Production

As Senior Vice President of Account Production, Sarah oversees all aspects of account management and department productivity at Shepard. She spearheads strategic initiatives while developing innovative tools that enhance the customer experience throughout the event planning cycle. Throughout her career progression at Shepard, Sarah has embodied the company's commitment to excellence and customer-first service philosophy.

Ray Williams

Senior Vice President, Operations

Ray Williams

Senior Vice President, Operations

Sarah Aivaz

Senior Vice President, Business Solutions

Sarah Aivaz

Senior Vice President, Business Solutions

As Senior Vice President of Business Solutions, Sarah leverages over 18 years of event services industry expertise to lead Shepard's technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. She aligns technological advancements with business objectives to enhance experiences for both customers and associates. With diverse industry experience and a proven track record of promoting innovation, Sarah provides strategic leadership that elevates Shepard's forward-looking business solutions.

Ayla Carswell

Vice President, Human Resources

Ayla Carswell

Vice President, Human Resources

As Vice President of Human Resources, Ayla leverages a decade of HR experience to drive initiatives that elevate workplace culture, promote diversity and inclusion, and contribute to organizational success. Her leadership is central to Shepard's commitment to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. With extensive background in HR roles at Shepard, Ayla aligns human capital strategy with business objectives, fostering an environment where employees feel valued and empowered.

Board of Directors

Carl Mitchell

Executive Chairman

Carl Mitchell

Executive Chairman

With a career in the trade show industry spanning over five decades, Carl purchased Shepard in 1982 and led its significant national expansion before transitioning to Executive Chairman. He's served as ESCA president for two terms and contributed to numerous industry boards throughout his distinguished career. Carl remains actively involved in Shepard's strategic direction while bringing invaluable industry wisdom to the Board of Directors.

Kevin Bird

Chief Executive Officer

Kevin Bird

Chief Executive Officer

As both CEO and Board Member, Kevin brings operational leadership and strategic vision to Shepard's governance. With over two decades of industry experience, he provides valuable insights on market trends, growth opportunities, and customer expectations. Kevin's dual role ensures alignment between Shepard's day-to-day operations and its long-term strategic direction, creating a cohesive approach to company leadership.

Khalil Johnson

Khalil Johnson

Khalil brings extensive venue management expertise to the Board, having served as COO of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority until his retirement in 2009. His distinguished career spans from managing the Georgia Dome's development to overseeing major events including Super Bowls and the Centennial Olympic Games. Following retirement, he founded Common Sense Consultants specializing in major special events, while serving on boards for key industry associations and earning recognition as a Certified Facility Executive.

Frank Villamar

Frank Villamar

Frank brings extensive financial and accounting expertise to the Board, with a distinguished career spanning roles as Controller, Senior Director of Finance, and Vice President of Finance. He served as Shepard's Chief Financial Officer for over six years, demonstrating particular expertise in Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP). With experience at both Turnberry Innovations and currently as Chief Financial Officer at Miller Zell, Frank contributes valuable financial acumen and industry knowledge to Shepard's strategic governance.

Debra Williams

Debra Williams

Debra brings invaluable ESOP expertise to Shepard's Board, perfectly aligned with the company's employee-owned structure. Her distinguished career includes serving as Senior Vice President in GreatBanc Trust Company's ESOP Client Services group, managing client relationships and overseeing ESOP transactions. As past chair of the Ownership Culture Committee for The ESOP Association and current board member for multiple employee-owned companies, her guidance strengthens Shepard's commitment to successful employee ownership.

Our People

Leaders at Shepard

Executive Leaders

Kevin Bird

Steve Margos

Ty Meeks

Frances Maestre

Ray Williams

Sarah Feske

Ray Williams

Sarah Aivaz

Ayla Carswell

Board of Directors

Carl Mitchell

Kevin Bird

Khalil Johnson

Frank Villamar

Debra Williams

Event Services

Resources

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