After retiring from the U.S. Air Force as a lieutenant colonel,[3] Shipley taught Tennessee history and world geography in Sullivan County middle schools.
Shipley was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives as a member of the 106th General Assembly in 2008 after defeating three-term incumbent Nathan Vaughn[5] In 2010, he was re-elected to the 107th General Assembly, again defeating Democrat Nathan Vaughn, this time with more than 60% of the electorate.[6] In 2012, Shipley was reelected for a third consecutive term with almost 70% of the electorate.[7] In 2014, Shipley lost the Republican nomination to Bud Hulsey after earning only 40% of the primary votes cast.[8] In 2016, Shipley reappeared in state politics to run for the Tennessee state senate 4th district seat being vacated by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey.[9] However, Jon Lundberg was elected to fill that seat.
Tennessee House of Representatives, 2nd Representative District, 2008
Shipley served in the 106th General Assembly on the House Health and Human Services and Transportation Committees as well as the Public Safety and Professional Occupations Sub-committees.[10] He was awarded Legislator of the Year 2009, his first year in office, by both the American Automobile Association and the Tennessee Psychological Association.[11][12]
In reference to his Legislator of the Year award from the Tennessee Psychological Association, TPA President Mark Phillips stated, "This comes on behalf of his tireless efforts to ensure access to appropriate mental health care to all Tennesseans. Rep. Shipley sponsored TPA-backed legislation recognizing that mental health problems need mental health specialists."[11] In addition, TPA Director of Legislative and Professional Affairs Lance Laurence stated, "Tony Shipley's experience in the United States military and as a private sector critical care Paramedic provides him with a unique understanding of the problems with the delivery of mental health services."[11]
On February 3, 2012, Shipley came to the aid of a man outside of a Nashville Hotel who had gone into a seizure. Shipley, a Kingsport native with training as a paramedic, came to the aid of a Franklin-based Passport Health Communications Inc. 34-year-old employee. Passport Vice President Max Carter stated, ""As a result of Representative Shipley's quick action what could have been a truly horrible situation was averted. Moreover, in a time when many healthcare professionals, and just people in general, are afraid to assist in similar situations due to fear of lawsuits, etc, I thought Mr. Shipley's actions should be noted. I have no idea what his training or background is but he was relaying vitals to 911 like a pro and telling us exactly what to do."[13]
Committee assignments
Shipley served in the 107th General Assembly as:
Secretary, House Republican Caucus
Secretary, House Government Operations Committee,[2]
Chair, Joint Government Operations Health and Education Subcommittee [1]
