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.
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.
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