Mr. Shivnen was born in Garden City, Michigan. He attended the U.S. Air Force Academy earning a Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs. He later received Masters degrees each from the University of Grenoble, France; Harvard University; and the National Defense University. Mr. Shivnen is a retired US Air Force colonel having served in 17 military assignments throughout the world as an F-15 fighter pilot, commander, and staff officer. He worked as a defense contractor after retiring from the Air Force. The unique opportunity to teach math and science in French attracted Mr. Shivnen to the local Kent Gardens Elementary School. Mr. Shivnen has been married to wife Nathalie for 33 years. They have three sons, two who are military officers and one in college. He enjoys travel, hiking, snowboarding, reading, the gym, and family time.