michael dixon

As Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations at a Top 10 public university, I serve on the leadership team reporting directly to a Vice President. I provide strategic oversight and partnership across five departments, advancing student entrepreneurship and transforming research into real-world impact, while ensuring operational/administrative alignment and results.

I will bring this same results-driven, strategic mindset to the role of Mayor; delivering accountable leadership, operational excellence, and meaningful outcomes for the people of East Point.

Volunteer Roles: 

Time is limited and precious, and I have intentionally devoted not only my time but also financial support to close-knit organizations and community projects.

Although not a member by choice, I have been actively involved in service projects and other improvement efforts at Calvary United Methodist Church in Atlanta. A church with a rich 153-year history and declining membership, it is now on the rebound, regaining vitality and making a renewed impact in the community.

Locally, within my neighborhood (a 2-mile radius), since moving to East Point eight years ago, I have consistently invested significant time helping neighbors: from mowing lawns for the elderly and veterans, picking up litter, to providing food and furniture to vulnerable families. Even did a pilot project with the water boys to curb their presence on the corner of Headland. I didn’t do it because I was asked, but because I saw a need, and believe in caring for the people who make this community home.

I bring both heart and strategic focus to leading East Point, making me not only the best but the ideal candidate for Mayor.

Proven Leadership – I know how to get things done, turning big, bold ideas into real results. With 20 years of extensive experience managing complex operations, leading organizational initiatives, and building high-performing teams and partnerships, I deliver solutions that drive lasting impact.

Fresh Vision – I bring new energy and ideas to strengthen our City, and make city services work for residents and businesses. From day one of my campaign, I have entered this journey with not only a vision, but a framework to turn that vision into actionable plans, measurable results, and real improvements for East Point.

Collaborative Leadership – I have a strong professional reputation for collaboration and transparency. Working intentionally with the City Council and City Manager to make our city run more efficiently and serve every resident requires leadership, integrity, grit, and strategic vision.

With proven leadership, fresh vision, + a collaborative approach, I’m ready to deliver real results and, in partnership with the City Council and City Manager, build the East Point many of us have dreamed about.

My ultimate goals are to ensure Council accountability, build safe neighborhoods, and provide resources for vulnerable citizens. I want to grow East Point by attracting the right businesses, improving housing options, and making our government more efficient and responsive. I’m also focused on retaining the residents who already call our city home.

I am equally committed to making sure our youth and young adults feel seen, engaged, and valued, and to updating outdated policies and practices so that our government better serves the entire community.

Before we can achieve the depth of these improvements, we must reconsider how to stabilize East Point around four key pillars.

1. Vision Alignment – making sure everyone’s heading in the same direction.
2. Governance & Accountability – City Council and leaders who actually deliver.
3. Fiscal Stewardship – using every dollar wisely and responsibly.
4. Collaborative Leadership – working together to get things done.

Focusing on these pillars will repair trust, empower the City Manager to rebuild our city effectively, and position City Council to reimagine East Point’s future.

City Manager's Office

The City Manager runs East Point’s day-to-day operations. After several years marked by leadership turnover and instability, I will work hand-in-hand with the current City Manager, ensuring our plans are executed effectively while empowering them with the tools needed to reposition our city for success.

This matters to residents because it directly improves quality of life, municipal service delivery, and smart growth, ultimately making East Point a better place to live, work, and play.

The most pressing issue facing East Point today is electing the right leaders, those who will focus on digging deeper into policy and legislative work to deliver meaningful solutions for our city, while empowering the City Manager to identify broken systems and outdated practices that need to be fixed.

By doing this, we unlock the flywheel that moves the city forward: improving infrastructure that pave the way for economic growth and addressing legacy pain-points that continue to stifle the city.

As Mayor, I’ll lead by setting clear priorities, fostering accountability, and creating space for everyone to work together. I’ll also support the City Manager’s fresh ideas that improve residents’ lives, strengthen neighborhoods, and grow local businesses.

A thriving East Point is safe, supportive, and efficiently run, with Council accountability at the core.

We’ll grow responsibly by attracting the right businesses, expanding affordable and mixed-income housing, supporting vulnerable residents, and engaging our youth/young adults. Focused efforts can spark economic growth, curate a welcoming downtown and start unlocking attractive options across the city.

Most importantly, we’ll uphold community trust and historical equity while preserving the small-town charm that makes East Point a true jewel!

By building on our wins and scoring quick victories, we can change the story of East Point, showcase our potential, and boost how the city is seen.

Progress we’re proud of:

Citizen Engagement: East Point hosts events that foster unity and celebrate our culture, led by Public Arts, Parks & Recreation, and City Council members (just to name a few areas).

Infrastructure Projects: More neighborhoods are seeing improvements like new sidewalks, speed bumps, and street paving.

Parks: Parks are getting facelifts and big upgrades, providing residents with more attractive spaces to relax, play, family time, and come together as a community.

As Mayor, I serve and champion, working hand-in-hand with the City Manager and Council to tackle the real challenges we face while acknowledging our wins. I do right by our residents and community, always representing our beautiful city with integrity and professionalism. 

Integrity isn’t just a word to me, it’s how I’ve built my career. I make decisions that are fair, honest, and transparent, and I bring that same approach to East Point.

As Mayor, I’ll hold myself, the City Manager, and City Council accountable, making sure every neighborhood sees real improvements and every resident knows we’re working for them.

This requires a careful balance, being confident in your own values while leading with purpose. Just as I do every day in my job, I set clear expectations, foster open communication, and focus on results that benefit the organization.

I’ll lead with transparency and integrity, ensuring that Council members’ actions are fair, ethical, and aligned with the charter, policies, procedures, and the practices prescribed by the Civility Pledge.

There’s real power in focusing on shared goals rather than personal motivations, and not being afraid to acknowledge and unpack hidden agendas.

In my 20 years of experience, I’ve found that listening and finding common ground builds the ingredients for strong collaboration. By keeping East Point’s best interests front and center, I can work effectively with anyone. My priority is the city and its residents, and I’ll make decisions based on what’s right for our community, even when others have different interests.

Referring to the four key pillars, vision alignment is critical. If you have a North Star (a clear strategic plan) then every decision, initiative, and action can stay focused and move the city forward in a coordinated way.

East Point holds a special place in my heart, and people here want to see the city move forward. We’ve made some progress, but now we’re on the edge of turning old problems into real improvements for our city.

While I’m not originally from East Point or a household name, I’ve spent the last 8 years rolling up my sleeves and working in my neighborhood to make a difference. The opportunity to scale that impact as Mayor is what drives me to serve, bringing the same dedication and results-driven approach to the entire city.