About Barbara Shanklin
Barbara Shanklin is a founding member of the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Council and was first elected to serve in November 2002. In 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020, she was re-elected and is currently serving a fifth four-year term. In 2005, she served as president of the Metro Council. Previously, she served as Majority Caucus Chair. In 2011 and 2012, she served as the Vice-Chair of the Democratic Caucus.
Dr. Shanklin represents the neighborhoods of Newburg, Norfolk, Poplar Hills, and Buechel. She previously served as a community liaison for the Jefferson County Police Department and as a social action representative for IUE-CWA Local 761.
In 2023, she serves as Chair of the Metro Council’s Equity, Community Affairs, Housing, Health & Education Committee. She is also a member of the Government Oversight/ Audits and Appointments Committee.
Shanklin holds an Ed. D. from Spalding University; a Masters in Training and Communications from Webster University; a Bachelors Degree in Business from McKendree University; and an Associate Degree in Computer Programming from Watterson College. She also attended Central High School.
Her civic involvement includes serving as block watch captain for Shasta Trail; educational program chairwoman for the Jefferson County Police Advisory Board (Baker District) and Jefferson Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center; former Junior Achievement leader; founder of the Christmas Clothe-A-Child Program at General Electric, Building 5; chairwoman of the Newburg Days Festival; board member of the Salvation Army, and member of the Adult Education Board and Early Child Development Board.
updated 01/19/2023
