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About Christian City

Christian City changes the lives of children and families experiencing trauma and crisis by offering healing and love through evidence-based programs.

Our 500-acre campus is a unique residential community located fifteen minutes south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Our campus is a place of healing and love powered by evidence-based programs that lead to productive and hopeful futures.

Meet Keith Horton President/CEO

Keith has over 33 years of leadership experience in the military, state government and in the corporate arena.  He spent over 20 years on active duty (Army) and held various leadership positions throughout the world before retiring from The Pentagon, at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2006.

 

Immediately following retirement, Keith was hired and served as the Deputy Director of Georgia’s Division of Child Support Services and Director of Child Support Services for over six years.

 

In 2013, the Governor appointed Keith as the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services and in 2015, and he transitioned to the Department of Juvenile Justice where he served as Assistant Commissioner. In 2018, Keith joined First Data as a senior consultant for New York’s Integration of Eligibility Systems and Programs.

 

Keith earned his B.B.A. from Albany State College, a M.Sc. from South Carolina State University and an Ed.D. from Argosy University.

 

He is a graduate of Leadership Atlanta and Clayton Leadership and a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi.  Keith is a member of Cornerstone Fellowship Church and serves as Associate Pastor. He has two adult children who are both married, and four grandchildren from their unions.

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Our History Started From Humble Beginnings

Christian City was founded in 1965 by a group of concerned citizens from area Christian churches who built the first cottage as a refuge for children in need of a loving home. From the first 50 acres donated by Dr. Byron and Rose Marie Harper, the campus has expanded over the years to 500 acres. Just as our physical footprint grew, so too have the services offered to the community. Our programs for children and families remain rooted in the residential services offered at the Children’s Village, but also include foster care and adoption, programs for homeless youth and young adults, and family stabilization. Along the way, Christian City added affordable senior housing. Christian City is a campus of life-changing hope, community and loving care.

Our faith informs our work

Christian City is open to all people regardless of their beliefs. Our Christian faith compels us to serve all. The teachings and actions of Jesus Christ provide clear direction on how to apply Christian principles: love your neighbor, care for the poor, children and widows.

Your donation is an investment in the future of each family and child in our community.

Board of Trustees

Betsy Box
Admissions Director and 
Director Emeritus, The Bedford School

Peggi Caldwell, Secretary
Executive Director, Silverleaf

Carol Carder 
Retired Nurse Epidemiologist

Dale Cardwell 
TrustDale

Delores Epps 
CEO, Chairman of Board, Quality Associates, Inc.

Phil Hamilton, Vice Chair 
Retired, AMRO Bank, Executive Director

 

Mike Harbin
Missions Minister, SWCC
Pharmacist, Ga Cancer Specialists

Russ Heil 
Retired, Delta Air Lines

Terry Head
Strategic and System Support Analyst/Georgia Power Company

Michael Johnston, Treasurer 
Partner, Nichols, Cauley & Associates, LLC

Lisa Masters
Retired, Bank of America

Ed Richardson, Chair 
Dentist, Dental Traditions

Lawton Roberts
Owner, Uniglobe Country Place Travel Inc.

David Sexton 
CFO, Operation Mobilization

Tony Sullivan 
Minister, Lester Road Christian Church

Jacque Thornton 
Executive Director, Two Sparrows Village

Leslie Wade
Attorney, Wade Law Offices

Fred Watson 
Retired, President Ga Nursing Home Association

Normer Adams, Trustee Emeritus 
Retired, Executive Director, GAHSC

Orsa Hill, Trustee Emeritus 
Retired, Delta

Leadership Team

Keith Horton
Chief Executive Officer

George Martin
Chief Operating Officer

LaVann Landrum
Chief Advancement Officer

Carl Ryden
Chief Spiritual Care Officer

Samantha Bollings
Executive Director
Children & Family Programs

Jeana Ellison
Executive Director Active Senior Living

Daniel Langford
Controller

Advisory Board

Joseph Barna
CDE Services – CEO

Ronald Canakaris
Montag & Caldwell – Managing Principal, Strategist, and Chairman Emeritus

W.M. Choate
Choate Construction – Founder, Executive Chairman

David Damiani
Balentine – Partner, CFO, and Deputy Chief Investment Officer

Ronald J. Freeman, Jr.
Johnson & Freeman LLC – Partner

Dr. F. Stuart Gulley
Woodward Academy – President

Joe Handy
National Black MBA Association – President and CEO

Robert Hope
Hope Beckham PR – President

Linda Johnson
The Historic Green Manor – Manager

Mary Jane Kirkpatrick
Community Volunteer

Stephen Porter
Piedmont Fayette Hospital – CEO

Cheryl Preheim
WXIA 11 Alive – Anchor

Tommy G. Slappey
Peggy Slappey Properties, Inc. – Co-Owner
CDS Enterprises – Co-Owner