Rhodes Shell has served on the Newnan City Council since 2006 and has dedicated his life to serving the community he calls home. Raised on Elm Street, Rhodes has lived in Newnan nearly all his life and takes pride in helping shape the city’s success while preserving its character. He graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Industrial Engineering and earned his MBA from Georgia State University. A U.S. Army veteran, he served as a sergeant stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.

Rhodes built a successful career as a Certified Financial Planner in downtown Newnan most recently with Avery and Pope Wealth and Management. After his retirement, he has qualified as an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). His professional work was rooted in trust, accountability, and a commitment to helping others plan for the future — values that continue to guide his service on City Council.

In addition to his role on the council, Rhodes has been deeply involved in local organizations for more than 40 years, including service as a member and President of the Newnan Rotary Club, a member and Treasurer of the Coweta County Board of Education, and Chairman of both the Newnan Convention Authority and the Newnan Coweta Planning Commission. He is also an active member of First Baptist Church in Newnan.

Outside of public service, Rhodes enjoys biking through Coweta County, gardening with Coweta County Master Gardeners, and cultivating orchids. His greatest joy, however, is his family. He is the proud father of two daughters — Blake, the Executive Director of Oregon Contemporary in Portland, Oregon, and Katherine, Senior Director of Professional Development at Husch Blackwell in Atlanta. He cherishes time with them, their husbands Eric and Billy, and his granddaughter Kate, especially when traveling together or simply enjoying time at home in Newnan.