Gordian Strategic Services provides a wide array of custom solutions for the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Our goal is to help organizations avoid, assess, and manage risk and other assorted specialties.

Our name references the Gordian knot, which is a term that can be traced back to a legendary chapter in the life of Alexander the Great and over the centuries has become a proverbial term for a problem solvable only by bold action!

As the story goes, in 333 B.C., Alexander and his army arrived in Gordium (Turkey) where he encountered an ancient wagon, its yoke tied in several knots all so tightly entangled that it was impossible to see how they were fastened. An oracle declared that any man who could unravel its elaborate knots was destined to become ruler of Asia! After wrestling with the knot for some time unsuccessfully, Alexander proclaimed “it makes no difference how they are loosed!” He then drew his sword and sliced the knot in half with a single stroke! The rest is history.

Gordian Strategic Services was founded by David B. Shoar, a veteran law enforcement officer who served for four years as the Chief of Police in St. Augustine, Florida and sixteen years as Sheriff of St. Johns County, Florida. Sheriff Shoar retired in January 2021 after a decorated 40-year career in law enforcement.

Testimonials

See what industry leaders are saying about our founder …

I have been fortunate to serve with Sheriff Shoar since he became Sheriff. He is considered by many to be a visionary leader with a true understanding and great compassion for our communities and our citizens. David can be relied upon in the best of times and the worst of times. 
Sheriff Grady Judd
Polk County Sheriff
Sheriff Shoar set the standard for executive leadership during his 40-year law enforcement career. During his tenure as President of the Florida Sheriff’s Association, David advanced many initiatives that unequivocally increased the security and safety of our citizens throughout the State of Florida.
Juan Perez 
Director of Public Safety (retired), Metro-Dade County 
Sheriff Shoar is one of those few individuals that I frequently consulted with during my many years with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, especially during my twelve years as the Sheriff of Duval County, Florida. David’s keen insights and ability to synthesize major issues into manageable events was one of many of his attributes that I have always admired. 
Congressman John Rutherford
I have watched Sheriff Shoar’s career for many years. He has always been candid and willing to roll up his sleeves to help his community. His understanding and compassion for the human condition after 40 years of public service is remarkable. 
John Delaney
Former Mayor of Jacksonville, Florida
Former President of the University of North Florida
I have known David for many years while I was Superintendent of Schools in St. Johns County. He always advocated for and stressed the importance of education for our public servants and helped create pathways for working folks to realize their aspirations for obtaining higher education. His focus and philosophy regarding education helped establish the professionalization of public safety. 
Dr. Joe Joyner
Retired St. Johns County Superintendent of Schools
President of Flagler College
Sheriff Shoar has been invaluable in so many positive events associated with his profession in law enforcement. During his tenure as the President of the Florida Sheriff’s Association, his performance was outstanding in so many ways, including the advancement of mental health training for our law enforcement officers across the State of Florida.
Steve Casey
Executive Director of the Florida Sheriff’s Association
Sheriff Shoar represents what it means to be a ‘futurist.’ He possesses the uncanny ability to constantly see far beyond the horizon and, remarkably, he is able to do this while managing current moments of crisis and chaos.
Joel Bolante
Retired Undersheriff
Director of Public Administration at Flagler College