Born and raised in Newburgh, Allyson understands our town’s historic roots. As a wife, mother, and lawyer, she also understands the need to grow Newburgh in a smart and responsible way.

As the daughter of a middle school teacher/realtor mother and a father who taught for over 40 years in the Castle school system, Allyson is the product of a hard-working, middle class family. Throughout her life, she admired her parents’ love for their careers as teachers. After college, Allyson’s focus turned to finding a career that would bring her that same joy. A lifelong love of the law and government drew her to a career as an attorney and the decision to serve the Town of Newburgh.

Allyson also serves as an attorney with Berry Global managing commercial litigation and regulatory issues. Previously, she worked with the law firm of Jackson Kelly PLLC and as a law clerk for Judge Richard Young of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Allyson works tirelessly to achieve a great result for her client, whether that involves solving a problem, preventing a problem from arising, or resolving a dispute. She looks forward to taking that same solutions-oriented approach to local government.

Education & Newburgh Roots

Allyson attended Newburgh public schools – Sharon Elementary, Castle Jr. High School, and Castle High School – and remains an avid supporter of and volunteer for the school system. Over the course of a 41-year career, her father, Jesse Shelby, taught math, served as assistant athletic director, and coached various sports in the Castle school system. She is proud and excited for her children to attend Newburgh Elementary School and to be graduates of such a high quality school system.

After graduating from Castle, Allyson attended Indiana University and obtained a degree in biology with minors in chemistry and music history. She then joined Cook Medical managing medical device sales, and eventually enrolled at Vanderbilt University Law School. In addition to being a Dean’s List recipient and student leader during her time in law school, Allyson worked with the Marion County (Ind.) Prosecutor’s Office, the Tennessee Supreme Court, and Winston & Strawn, LLP. She also spent a semester at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslovia where she served on the legal defense team for Croatian General Ante Gotovina.

Community & Civic Activities

Allyson believes passionately in volunteering her time and services to the community, whether she is educating youth in civics, mentoring new lawyers, or supporting the arts. Allyson is a former board member and mentor with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, former president and board member of the Evansville Civic Theatre, and an active member of the University of Evansville Theatre Society.

Related to her profession as a lawyer, Allyson has held numerous leadership and volunteer positions with the Indiana State Bar Association and the Evansville Bar Association. She continues to seek out new ways to serve her community, help the underprivileged, and improve the region’s quality of life.

Allyson and her husband, Joshua, have two young children, Prudence and James.