With more than 40 years of experience in construction, development and real estate, Shaw retired from Roel Construction in 2005. A native of Oakland, California, he was transferred to San Diego in 1988 to assume the duties of Southern California regional vice president for Dillingham Construction and has called La Jolla his home ever since.

Shaw has always believed that it is every citizen's responsibility to give back to his or her community in whatever way possible. Past professional affiliations include state chairman of Ducks Unlimited and a national trustee, a life member of California Waterfowl Association and a Boy Scout troop leader.

Shaw is a past chairman of the subcommittee for Arts and Culture for the Centre City Advisory Committee, past chairman of the Arts and Culture Committee for the Downtown San Diego Partnership and the retiring chairman of the San Diego Repertory Theater.

He and his wife have two grown sons and two grandchildren.