Hugh Shepherd joins Smart Cities Council

Hugh Shepherd Jr, a seasoned cybersecurity and digital infrastructure advisor with more than 25 years of global experience, has joined the Smart Cities Council as a new member, bringing expertise in secure connectivity, technology policy and resilient urban systems. Shepherd is the Founder and Principal Consultant of HSJR Global Solutions, where he provides strategic advisory, research and training across cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, smart cities, AI, IoT and technology strategy. His work spans government, multinational and development sectors, particularly throughout the Indo-Pacific and emerging markets. 

Before founding his consultancy, Shepherd supported major initiatives including advising on cyber risk frameworks, infrastructure planning and technology policy development, and held leadership roles at global firms such as Deloitte Consulting, where he worked with U.S. federal agencies on complex security challenges. He holds advanced degrees including an MBA and an MSc in Technology Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and professional certifications including CISSP and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

Shepherd’s appointment to the Smart Cities Council underscores the critical role of cybersecurity and secure digital infrastructure in smart city development. As cities increasingly leverage connected technologies for services from transportation to public safety, his background in risk management and secure systems design will support the Council’s mission to promote resilient, inclusive and data-driven urban innovation.