Christian City, the 60-year-old nonprofit organization with a 500-acre, multigenerational campus located just south of Atlanta in Union City, announces two key leadership hires, including Mark Sexton as Chief Operating Officer and Chaundra Luckett as Executive Director of Marketing and Communications. As Christian City celebrates its 60th anniversary, the nonprofit is embarking on a monumental year of growth and transformation, enhanced by additions to its leadership team.

“We’re honored to welcome Mark and Chaundra at a time when Christian City’s mission has never been more critical,” said Keith Horton, President and CEO of Christian City. “Their expertise will help us deepen our commitment to the community, ensuring our campus remains a place of faith and opportunity for generations to come.”

In his position as Chief Operating Officer, Mark Sexton will play a vital role in overseeing and managing day-to-day operations at Christian City, working closely with Horton. With several property enhancements underway, including expansions across senior living, the THRIVE program for young adults and the revitalization of the Graceland thrift store, Sexton will help implement and drive these initiatives forward.

Previously, Sexton served as the Deputy Director at the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), overseeing key departments such as human resources, information technology, fleet and facilities management and the finance department.

Sexton brings three decades of professional experience and personal ties to Christian City. As his father was a Southern Baptist Minister and Director of Missions in Union City, Sexton grew up attending services and worshipping with Christian City residents. Additionally, as a retired U.S. Army Officer with over 25 years of service, Sexton has a diverse set of leadership experience. 

“For generations, Christian City has been a beacon of hope, so I'm honored to join the team and further advance this crucial work,” said Sexton. “Having grown up connected to this community through my family, I have an intimate understanding of the mission at hand and the impact it has on residents’ lives. I look forward to working alongside Horton and the entire team to continue to expand Christian City’s reach.”

Complementing Sexton’s operational leadership, Chaundra Luckett joins Christian City as Executive Director of Marketing & Communications, bringing over 20 years of experience spanning media, philanthropy and executive leadership. In her role, she will lead the development and execution of a wide-ranging marketing and communications strategy designed to elevate the Christian City brand, connecting with key stakeholders to build long-term support from community and civic partners and donors.  Luckett will oversee all marketing functions including media relations, digital strategy, brand management, and storytelling that highlights the life-changing impact of Christian City’s work.

Prior to joining Christian City, Luckett served as the first Chief Marketing Officer at CHRIS 180, an Atlanta mental health nonprofit.  During her nearly seven-year tenure, she significantly expanded the organization’s digital presence, overhauled its brand strategy, and secured widespread media coverage while supporting the organization’s fundraising goals.

Beyond her professional achievements, Luckett is deeply committed to service and community leadership, and serves as Board Chair of Ferst Readers, a national early literacy nonprofit. She also sits on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Atlanta Speech School as Communications Committee Chair and is a Sustaining member of The Junior League of DeKalb County and held board roles in The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc., where she held multiple leadership roles over 10+ years. Luckett’s leadership is grounded in her faith, reflected in her role as a small group leader for the college ministry at Buckhead Church and her active leadership with Women’s Community Bible Study (WCBS), Atlanta’s longest running non-denominational Bible study for women.

“Christian City has been a place of hope and healing for decades, and I’m honored to help tell its story in this new season of growth,” said Luckett. “There’s something special about an organization that serves people with both excellence and compassion. I’m excited to help more people connect with our mission—and to shine a light on the lives being transformed here every day.”

For more information about Christian City, please visit https://christiancity.org/.