Previously, Lucy served as the at-large alternate for the Board. Shackelford and her husband are the owners of Shackelford Farms, which produces runner peanuts, cotton, soybeans and occasionally rice. Shackelford has been part of the farming operation since marriage to her husband John, former NPB At-Large board member, in 1993.
Shackelford’s background and experience is different from the typical farmer. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Millsaps College and Juris Doctorate from The University of Mississippi. She practiced law in Jackson, Miss. for several years. After marriage and her children were settled in school, Shackelford became a district manager for clothing companies Carlisle and Worth NY.
Shackelford volunteers her time with several community organizations. She has served on the boards of the Twin City Arts Council, Northeast Louisiana Arts Council and Grace Episcopal School, where she served as two-term chair. She serves on the boards of trustees for the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn.
The Shackelfords have three daughters: Lucy Parks recently graduated with a Master of Law in taxation from Southern Methodist University in Dallas; Susu is a project manager for interior design firm in Monroe; and Elizabeth graduated from University of the South and is in her first year of law school at University of Denver. In her downtime, Shackelford enjoys reading, cooking and writing essays. A former tennis player, she stays active by walking four miles a day.
Shackelford believes that her direct style and decision-making abilities will be an asset to NPB. “I have enjoyed meeting my fellow Board members, alternates and the staff over this past year. The marketing work the Board is doing is fascinating and I look forward to sharing a different perspective.”