Art Shad was elected to the Jacksonville City Council in July of 2003.  He received the 2004-2005 Charles D. Webb Award, the City Council's most prestigious internal honor.

Art is a native of Jacksonville, graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in 1985.  After high school, Art joined the United States Marine Corps.  During his enlistment in the USMC, Art served in an elite reconnaissance unit and was decorated for his service in Operation Desert Storm, receiving a Combat Promotion to Sergeant in Kuwait in 1991.

Upon returning to Jacksonville, Art attended the University of North Florida on the GI Bill, graduating with honors and a Bachelor's Degree in Business/Finance in 1994.

Today, Art is a Certified Financial Planner and First Vice President-Investments for Wachovia Securities, working with over 400 families in Jacksonville, helping them to meet their financial goals.

Art is involved in various community and civic activities.

Art is married to Virginia and in addition to their two young sons, Cole and Isaac, they have a brand new baby boy, Nathan, born Tuesday, March 16, 2004. They are both proud public school parents.

Why did he want to become a member of the Jacksonville City Council? Art answers, "I want to bring my skills and talents to work for District 5 and all of Jacksonville to ensure that my young sons grow up to be as proud to call Jacksonville home as I am."

Art can be reached at (904) 630-1382 or AShad@coj.net.