DeKalb County Commissioner Burrell Ellis keeps an extraordinarily busy schedule. In addition to his tireless work as a devoted public servant in DeKalb County, Commissioner Ellis is a partner with the national law firm of Epstein Becker & Green, a renowned public speaker, and a dedicated community volunteer.

Commissioner Ellis is an Ivy League graduate, holding a degree in economics and finance from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Texas. At the University of Texas, he was elected student body president of one of our nation’s largest and most prestigious law schools.

In November 2000, Commissioner Ellis was elected to the Board of Commissioners of DeKalb County -- Georgia's second most populous county. Commissioner Ellis' district includes Avondale Estates, Clarkston, Pine Lake, Stone Mountain, and nearby neighborhoods.

His peers on the Board of Commissioners selected Commissioner Ellis to serve as their Presiding Officer for an unprecedented five consecutive terms. As Presiding Officer, he led the Board of Commissioners through its most extensive reorganization ever, ensuring openness and transparency in the legislative process. He has sponsored key legislation pertaining to economic development and preservation of property values and championed a Clean Indoor Air Ordinance to protect the health of tens of thousands from the harms of second-hand smoke.

As a Commissioner and Presiding Officer, Burrell Ellis has been deeply involved with The National Association of Counties (NACo) a bipartisan organization that works to protect the interests of counties across the country. Commissioner Ellis currently chairs NACo’s Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) and was previously its Vice Chair. LUCC plays a vital role in national politics because it represents the 100 largest urban counties in the country and, consequently, 50% of the national population.

In addition to his law practice, Commissioner Ellis has taught courses at Georgia State University College of Law in negotiation and collaborative problem solving, and he is a frequent panelist and lecturer on smart growth and urban development issues. He serves on the National Community Development Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI). He is also a member of ULI-Atlanta’s Smart Growth Committee.

His community involvement is extensive, and his volunteer activities have included leadership roles in 100 Black Men of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, his church, and the Democratic Party.

Commissioner Ellis is especially proud of being a husband and the father of two young children. He and his wife, Philippa, live in Stone Mountain and attend St. Philip AME Church.