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By Lynn J. Richardson

A Carter County attorney has been appointed to a position in the Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.

“After a year in private practice, I am honored to accept an appointment from the Trump administration to serve in the U.S. Department of Labor as senior legislative officer in Washington, D.C.,” Dalton Shell wrote in a Facebook message posted on Wednesday.

Shell was sworn in earlier in the day, on April 23, by Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling.

The appointment came as a surprise to Shell, one which unfolded rather quickly.

“I got a call from the White House about two to three weeks ago, saying, ‘We will be in touch with further details,’” he said. “Then I got a letter telling me I had been appointed and that I started in a week and a half.”

“It’s been busy, coming up here and trying to find a place to live,” he added.

Now, on the job for two weeks, Shell is settling into the job, which he describes as “multi-faceted,” and says he is grateful for the opportunity to utilize both his law degree and lifelong interest in government to serve and strengthen the interests of the American workforce.

“I’ve actually interned with Amtrak while I was in law school,” Shell said. “I did a lot of labor law then, so this fits hand in hand with that.”

The main emphasis of Shell’s new post will be dealing with intergovernmental affairs and reaching out to mayors, legislators and governors. It will also involve dealing with unions and business stakeholders to try to get their opinion and stance on issues dealing with employees. His office also works with constituents.

“This is truly an amazing responsibility,” Shell said, “and my phone rings constantly.”

“America employs several million workers — from mom-and-pop businesses to large corporations. We try to support the American workforce in any way we can, with one of our main goals being to help Americans get a safe job so they can provide for their families.”

Prior to his appointment, Shell was working as an attorney with Brandt & Robbins in downtown Elizabethton. He also served as the campaign manager for Renea Jones, who was recently elected Tennessee state representative for the 4th District.

Shell is the son of Chandrea and Richard Shell of Roan Mountain. He is a graduate of Elizabethton High School, Milligan University and Elon University School of Law.