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Dr. David Burton, PhD, MBA, BBA, is a businessman, published author, and community advocate who has called San Diego home for more than two decades. Born in New Jersey to Lafayette and Yvonne Burton—an Army veteran and a postal worker—he is the youngest of six siblings and a proud graduate of The King’s Christian School in Cherry Hill, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete.

In the wake of the September 11 attacks, Dr. Burton made the pivotal decision to leave Rutgers University, where he was studying biology and enrolled in Army ROTC, to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He trained at Parris Island, South Carolina, before being stationed in San Diego. Over his distinguished Marine Corps career, Dr. Burton served as a Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence Specialist and Department of Defense Interrogator, completing three combat deployments to Iraq’s Al-Anbar Province—spending much of his time in Ramadi, one of the conflict’s most challenging operational environments.

Following his military service, Dr. Burton continued his career in intelligence, holding leadership roles across the Middle East and Southwest Asia, before transitioning in 2014 to the aerospace and defense sectors. He now serves as a Business Manager, overseeing a portfolio of unmanned aircraft programs and leveraging more than two decades of experience in executive leadership, business development, and strategy formulation.

Dr. Burton is also deeply engaged in his community. He serves as a Lay Pastor and Community Chaplain through the Rock Church in San Diego, offering support and guidance to those in need. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, he designs and facilitates courses that emphasize ethical leadership, data-informed decision-making, and strategic thinking for adult learners, public sector leaders, and emerging professionals.

Dr. Burton’s academic achievements include a PhD in Public Administration from Liberty University, an MBA in Organizational Leadership (with distinction), and a BBA in Alternative Dispute Resolution (summa cum laude) from National University. He has also completed executive education programs at Harvard University (Higher Education Teaching), Cornell University (Regulatory and Antitrust Law), and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (Digital Marketing).

Outside of his professional and civic commitments, Dr. Burton enjoys sailing, music, bowling, golf, and is an avid Harley-Davidson rider who often embarks on long motorcycle excursions.