Shelby County Commissioner Rick Shepherd has been appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey to the Alabama Supercomputer Authority Board of Directors.

“It’s a great opportunity to help the state and help the education community in an area I’m really familiar with,” Shepherd said.

The Alabama Supercomputer Authority is a state-funded corporation founded in 1989 for planning, acquiring, developing, administering and operating a statewide supercomputer and related telecommunication systems.

ASA developed the Alabama Research and Education Network, which offers education and research clients in Alabama internet access and other related network services.

ASA has further expanded its offerings with cutting-edge application development services that include custom website/web system designs and custom web-based applications for data mining, reporting and other client needs.

The organization’s mission is to “provide a professional portfolio of information technology resources and services for the advancement of education, research and economic development in Alabama,” according to its website.

For more information about the organization, visit ASC.edu.

Ivey notified Shepherd with a letter dated Sept. 22, stating that his term began immediately and will expire on Aug. 21, 2021.

“As one of my appointees, you will be making important decisions that directly affect the citizens of Alabama,” Ivey wrote. “I have made honesty and integrity a priority in my administration, and I know that you will embody these two virtues while serving the people of Alabama.”

Shepherd joins a 21-member board of directors that includes presidents of major universities in Alabama, a state senator, representative and other important state officials.

Shepherd said he will bring training and experience in information technology, government and business to the board.