Barrett C. Shelton, Jr.

The Decatur Daily. The very name implies a contract with its readers, a guarantee of reliability and consistency. And one constant in the family behind this paper is visionary leadership.

Publisher Barrett C. Shelton Jr. shares many of his father’s memorable attributes. The paper’s long-running success attests to both father’s and son’s creativity and imagination. The combination of foresight and action enabled the father – an inductee into the inaugural Hall of Fame – to make The Decatur Daily a full partner in the unprecedented economic transformation of the Tennessee Valley.

On assuming leadership of the paper in 1984, Shelton Jr. took the editorial page in new directions, even advocating unpopular causes and candidates when necessary, but always imbuing the paper with fundamental values and a commitment to community. He understands his role as publisher, and has thoughtfully and deliberately removed himself from the daily operations of the newsroom. "Editors would say he’s a good publisher," says Tom Wright, editorial page editor. "He doesn’t want any surprises, of course, but he allows us to put out an excellent newspaper."

Also like his father, he has been an influential and effective leader. Since the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1930s, The Decatur Daily has been a champion for the region and its people, encouraging expansion, development, and education. Shelton’s hand is still evident in Decatur’s continuing progress, as in the new Boeing rocket booster plant, one of the nation’s most sought-after industrial prizes.

A graduate of the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration at The University of Alabama, Shelton is a past chairman of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce and presided over both the Alabama Press Association and the University’s National Alumni Association. Shelton also serves on the board of visitors for both the College of Communication and Information Sciences and the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration. His leadership on civic, religious, educational, and professional boards is evidence in abundance of a man committed to service.

Although Shelton is a vigorous and tireless com-munity advocate, he appreciates the role of the newspaper in a democracy. The Decatur Daily has occasionally disturbed readers by refusing to back away from controversial investigations and reports. "We support the community," says Wright, "but there are no sacred cows."

Barrett Shelton Jr. prefers to work behind the scenes. But as many in the community will attest, when he gets involved, things happen.