Shedd served as the director of national intelligence deputy for policy, plans and requirements from May 2007 to August 2010, where he was responsible for overseeing the formulation and implementation of major Intelligence Community policies across a full spectrum of issues. In particular, he led the review of Executive Order 12333, the foundational U.S. intelligence policy, which was revised by President George W. Bush in July 2008. Additionally, Shedd developed and implemented a National Intelligence Strategy, published in August 2009, for the Intelligence Community and led all strategic planning efforts to determine future intelligence priorities for the Nation.

From May 2005 to April 2007, Shedd served as chief of staff and acting director of the intelligence staff in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Prior to the creation of ODNI, he held intelligence policy positions at the National Security Council from February 2001 to May 2005. He served as the NSC’s special assistant to the president, and senior director for intelligence programs and reform. Shedd was directly involved in the implementation of intelligence reform stemming from the 9/11 Commission report in July 2004, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, and the Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission’s report to the president in March 2005.

From 1984 to 1993, Shedd was posted overseas in the U.S. Embassies in Costa Rica and Mexico. He has also held a variety of senior management assignments at the CIA, including chief of congressional liaison.

Shedd holds a bachelor's degree from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and a master's degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Latin American studies. He is married, and has two sons.