John Shields has more than 45 years of experience in chemical product research and development, production, marketing and management. Prior to joining IFDC, Shields was a consultant to several multi-national corporations on fertilizer technology development, especially regarding controlled release fertilizers. He also served as president and chief executive officer of the Alabama Technology Network. Shields retired from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in 1993 after 30 years in various management and leadership positions in fertilizer research and development and technology transfer. He has held executive positions in both public and private corporations, including 15 years of international experience. He earned a master’s degree in economics and marketing and a bachelor’s degree in industrial and agricultural engineering from the University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States. He has additional training from Cornell University’s International Economic Development Institute, Ithaca, New York, United States, and the Wharton School of Finance, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States.