Shelby Hilley is the Principal of Oconee County Primary School. Her career in education began in 2005 as a Pre-K teacher while she completed graduate school at the University of Georgia. In 2007, she began teaching kindergarten at Statham Elementary in Barrow County. During her six years at Statham Elementary, she taught both kindergarten and first grade and was a member of the PBIS Team and Writing Committee. 

In 2013, Mrs. Hilley transitioned to Oconee County. She taught first and second grade at Malcom Bridge Elementary for 5 years. Mrs. Hilley served on her school Leadership Team and district-level Curriculum and Assessment Teams. She was an integral part of building the STEM program at her school. Her initiatives and love for STEM education provided the opportunity for Mrs. Hilley to open Dove Creek Elementary in 2018 as the K-5 STEM Activity Teacher. She fulfilled the role of STEM Coordinator and Gifted Coordinator. During this time, Mrs. Hilley completed an Educational Leadership Certification Program. 

Colham Ferry Elementary welcomed Mrs. Hilley as their Assistant Principal in 2019. In 2022, she began as Principal of Oconee County Primary School. Mrs. Hilley earned her Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership in 2020.

Mrs. Hilley and her husband Tyler are residents of Oconee County and have two sons, Hudson and Tucker.