Integrity. Character. Courage.

Dorothy Burton is the Founder and President of Christians In Public Service (CIPS), a Texas-based nonprofit focused on biblical formation and ethical leadership for those who serve, lead, and govern in public life. 

Her work is shaped by decades of experience in local government, faith-based leadership, and public accountability during seasons of political and cultural upheaval.

The first African American elected to the Duncanville, Texas City Council, Dorothy served four terms and understands firsthand the pressure, complexity, and ethical weight carried by those who lead and govern. 

She also served as Chairwoman of the Dallas Central Appraisal District Board of Directors and as a board member of the National League of Cities Women in Municipal Government.

Dorothy earned a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts in Urban Affairs from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from UTA, where she was recognized as an Outstanding African American Alum.

She is a graduate of Leadership Texas, Leadership Southwest, and a charter graduate of the Dallas Blueprint for Leadership.

Her work engages the intersection of faith, power, and leadership, examining how decisions shape communities and how character shapes those decisions. 

She is known for addressing complex issues with clarity and conviction, without ideological extremes or performative religion.

Through teaching, writing, and public commentary, Dorothy equips leaders to think clearly, decide wisely, and lead with conviction in demanding and often uncertain environments.

Dorothy is the author of JESUS160: The Way He Led Will Change How We Lead, a leadership framework rooted in the life of Jesus, designed to help leaders stay grounded, think clearly, and lead with conviction under pressure.