David Sheppard of Larned has been hired as director of Marion County Special Education Cooperative.

The board hired the new director May 19.

Sheppard is director of Tri County Special Services Cooperative in Larned, serving five school districts — USD 228 Hanston, USD 347 Kinsley-Offerle, USD 495 Fort Larned, USD 496 Pawnee Heights, and USD 502 Lewis. He has served since 2006.

Marion County Special Education Cooperative Board Chairman Deb Geis said Sheppard has numerous skills the board was seeking.

“He has a strong background in school administration with eight years of experience and has leadership and motivation skills,” she said. “He also has strong human and fiscal resources management skills.”

Current cooperative director Chris Cezar resigned in April after financial issues had plagued the cooperative. Cezar’s last day in the district will be June 30.

“David is going to fit into Marion County,” Geis said. “He’s very personable. I’m looking forward to getting to know him.”

Sheppard is no stranger to Marion County, Geis said, because his wife is a former Marion County resident.

Sheppard’s first day on the job in Marion County will be July 1. He and his family will live within the cooperative district, Geis said.