Town of Benton

Shelly Horton, Jr. 

Mayor

Shelly Horton Jr., goes by various nicknames, but he is known to most people as "Peanut". Shelly Horton worked in the healthcare industry for 30 years before retiring from Shriners Hospitals for Children in Feb. 2017 and was elected as Mayor of Benton Louisiana in December of 2016.  While in the healthcare industry, he served as a Facilities director, Chief Safety Officer, Security Director and Bio-Medical Director. He is a Certified Healthcare Facilities Director and was awarded the Senior Healthcare Facilities Management Award in 2013 by the American Hospital Association. Also, he was 2 term President of the Louisiana Association of Healthcare Facilities Management and 2 term board member of the Texas Association of Healthcare Facilities Management. He is a 32nd degree mason and a member of El Karubah Shriners. Shelly is married to Christa and they have 6 children and 9 grandchildren and live in Benton, Louisiana. Despite his retirement from Shriners Hospital For Children, Shelly is still actively involved. As Mayor of Benton, Shelly dedicated himself to completing the Street project started by the previous administration. He has also set his sights on improving the town parks to attract new events, expanding the town limits, and focusing on property standards. In addition to these projects, Mayor Horton will often be seen around town standing on the front porch visiting with a citizens. "It's all about the citizens". 

Stephanie Sullivant-Collier

Chief Administrative Officer 

Town Clerk

Chinetta "Shonta" Neal 

Bookkeeper / HR Director