Shaylene M. Smith
Shay grew up in Paxton, Nebraska. A first-generation college student, she came to Doane College (now Doane University) in Crete in 1988 and really never left. Shay completed her undergraduate degree in political science in 1991 and attended the UNL College of Law, graduating with her Juris Doctorate in 1994. Shaylene has also completed some Master’s-level work in Public Policy and she attained her Certified Nonprofit Professional designation in 2021.
She started as an associate attorney with Steinacher, Vosoba and Hanson in Crete and Wilber in 1994 and was made partner in 1999 - leaving in 2003 to join Brad in practice. In addition to practicing law full-time, Shaylene has frequently returned to Doane University as an adjunct professor or guest lecturer and she currently serves as the Executive Director of the Blue River Arts Council. Shaylene is a candidate for Nebraska Unicameral in 2026.
Michael, Shaylene’s husband, is the Teammates Coordinator for Crete Public Schools and he enjoys spending extra time at the school as the High School Robotics Coach. They have three children - Brennan, Regan, and Kaidan. Shay has been a part of many large efforts in Crete including the drafting and passage of an LB 840 Economic Development program, the rebuilding of the swimming pool, and most recently, the resurrection of the Isis Theatre in Crete as part of the Blue River Arts Council. Mike and Shay both enjoy creative hobbies - Mike is a photographer and Shaylene quilts in her spare time.