Fred Lawrence, a Venture Partner of Shepherd Ventures, brings with him more than thirty years of global experience in telecommunications, having served in executive capacities in both the service and manufacturing sides of the industry. Fred participates in screening investment opportunities and currently serves as Chairman of Silicon Systems and CEYX Technologies, two of Shepherd Ventures' portfolio companies.

Fred began his career with the pre-divestiture AT&T, working in both local and long distance operations for 12 years. In 1982, Fred was recruited to join United Telecommunications (now called Sprint) where he worked in local telephone operations (including as CEO of the Florida operation), directory, supply, and wireless, and in the mid-1980s, was the executive responsible for the construction and operation of Sprint's 38,000-mile fiber optic network. In 1994, Fred's experiences in manufacturing began as President of ADC Telecommunications' Transmission Group, and later included CEO of Comstream and Chairman/CEO of Adaptive Broadband. Since retiring from Adaptive Broadband in 2001, Fred has been active with Shepherd Ventures and instructing at San Diego State University.

Fred received his BS in Electrical Engineering from Western Michigan University. He has served on several boards of directors of various technology companies, and is currently Chairman of the Board of SiliconSystems as well as a board member of San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care. In addition, Fred has served several charitable organizations, including United Way, the American Cancer Society and United Arts.