Sheila Dixon is a working mother, a proud parent, an advocate for families and a dedicated public servant. Her story begins right here in Baltimore where she was born and raised. She is a graduate of the Baltimore City public school system and holds a bachelor's degree from Towson University and a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University.
Mayor Dixon began her career as a kindergarten teacher at Steuart Hill Elementary School and as an adult education instructor with the Head Start program. She is an advocate for children who understands the challenges our teachers face and is committed to improving Baltimore's schools.
For 17 years, Mayor Dixon worked as an international trade specialist with the Maryland State Department of Business and Economic Development. She knows how to retain and attract businesses to Maryland and she's committed to building an economy that works for all Baltimore residents.
For over two decades, Mayor Dixon has dedicated herself to public service, working to improve the city she loves so much. In 1987, she won a seat on the Baltimore City Council representing the 4th Council District, where she served for 12 years. In 1999, she became the first African-American woman elected as City Council President.
Sheila Dixon became the 48th Mayor of Baltimore on January 17, 2007, succeeding Mayor Martin O'Malley. She is the first woman to serve as Baltimore's mayor.
As Mayor, Sheila Dixon is building a cleaner, greener, healthier and safer Baltimore. She's made Baltimore healthier by passing the smoking ban. She's making Baltimore cleaner thanks to record funding for campaigns to clean up city streets and neighborhoods. She's making Baltimore greener through beautification programs and environmentally friendly policies. And, she's working to make Baltimore safer by pursuing comprehensive strategies to curb the possession of illegal guns and address violent crime through targeted enforcement, community engagement and partnerships with state and federal agencies.
Mayor Dixon has been a strong advocate for public health issues, including HIV/AIDS, breast cancer and lead poisoning in children. Mayor Dixon is an avid athlete with a rigorous weekly fitness routine. Beyond her concern for her personal health and fitness, Mayor Dixon is an advocate for programs that improve children's health through a more nutritional diet and exercise routine.
Among her numerous awards and honors, Mayor Dixon has been named one of Baltimore's Most Influential Leaders by the Baltimore Business Journal and was recently admitted to The Daily Record's Circle of Excellence for her third selection as one of "Maryland's Top 100 Women." She serves on numerous boards, including the Institute of Human Virology, the Transplant Resource Center, the Urban Health Initiative, the Baltimore Public Markets Corporation, the Living Classrooms Foundation, and the Walters Art Gallery.
Mayor Dixon is a working mother with two children, Joshua and Jasmine, who currently live in West Baltimore. An active member and former trustee of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Mayor Dixon is grounded by her faith and continues to serve as a member of the Stewardess Board.
