There are many reasons former Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton was named one of Cookeville Lifestyle’s Most Influential People in 2022, and many of them extend far beyond his time in public office.
During his eight years as Cookeville’s Mayor (2014–2022) and eight years on City Council (2002–2010), Shelton championed new business growth, launched beloved community traditions, and led the city through two of the most defining moments in its history—the 2020 tornado and the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the role of mayor may appear glamorous from the outside, Shelton is quick to acknowledge that the position is demanding and deeply personal. Born and raised in Cookeville, his passion for public service was shaped early. His father served as a volunteer firefighter for 30 years before becoming fire chief and public safety director. “I saw firsthand the impact local leaders can have,” Shelton said. “I thought, I want to do that and make a difference in our community.”
That commitment translated into tangible change. During his tenure, Shelton launched Christmas in the Park, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Downtown Ice, Slide the City, and Red, White & Boom—now one of Cookeville’s most anticipated events. “It was important to me to create a Fourth of July celebration that is free to attend,” Shelton shared.
He also spearheaded the development of Dogwood Park, ensuring the inclusion of its signature water feature. “I wanted a way to tie the west side and the Courthouse together,” Shelton explained. “It was important to set the tone for businesses to want to invest here. A vibrant downtown is the core of a strong city.”
Shelton further strengthened Cookeville’s economic future by passing the ordinance allowing microbreweries within city limits, helping position the city as a place young professionals and families want to call home. “When I was growing up here, you didn’t always have the opportunity to stay,” he said. “There weren’t a lot of high-paying jobs.”
By the time Shelton left office, Cookeville had experienced exponential growth—more than 5,000 jobs created, record housing development, record sales tax growth, and historically low unemployment.
From day one, Shelton made accessibility and communication a priority. Alongside County Mayor Randy Porter, he launched a Facebook page to provide real-time updates to the community. That platform became essential after the March 2020 tornado devastated Cookeville.
“I felt incredibly responsible for our community,” Shelton recalled. “Mayor Porter’s background in emergency services was invaluable. We knew people were hurting, and they needed to hear directly from their leadership.”
The two went live multiple times daily following the tornado and continued those updates through the early days of COVID-19. “Communication is key,” Shelton said. “Even if people don’t like what they hear, providing facts allows them to process and move forward.”
In the wake of the tornado, Shelton and local leaders established a relief fund that raised more than $2 million for affected families. “I was very proud of how much we were able to help through the generosity of donors,” he said.
When COVID-19 followed just weeks later, Shelton again found himself navigating uncharted territory. “We were receiving guidance in the unknown, and it changed daily,” he explained. “We were trying to balance personal freedom while keeping people healthy.”
Even amid crisis, Shelton kept Cookeville moving forward. One of his final announcements as mayor included securing a major retail development set to open in 2023. “I’ve been working on this for years,” he said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to finally see it come to fruition.”
Beyond City Hall, Shelton served as Chief Strategy Officer at Cookeville Regional Medical Center, sat on nine boards, and attended City Council work sessions and meetings twice monthly. He credits his faith and family for helping him navigate the pressures of leadership.
“My wife Shannon has been instrumental in keeping me grounded and organized,” Shelton shared. “Our two teenage daughters have grown up with me as mayor. When you’re in office, your whole family is in office. We lean on each other and keep communication open.”
Faith has remained central to Shelton’s leadership. “I know the Lord placed me here at this moment,” he said. “I ask for His guidance in everything I do. We’ve made mistakes, but if you aren’t making mistakes, you probably aren’t doing anything.”
Though no longer in public office, Shelton’s service to Cookeville continues. Through his 501(c)(4), Better Cookeville, he will continue producing Red, White & Boom and hopes to introduce even more family-friendly attractions.
“Cookeville has been successful because of teamwork—city, county, Tennessee Tech, and CRMC all working together,” Shelton said. “That collaboration is what makes this community special.”
— by Chelsea Dartez, photos by Katelyn Steakley
