Kimiko Burton

Early life and education Burton is the daughter of John Burton, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives and past chair of the California Democratic Party, and Michele (née Hall ) Burton.

Career In the 1990s, Burton worked in the San Francisco Public Defender's Office. Burton later left the office to work at the California State Board of Equalization, where she served as counsel to Johan Klehs.

Public Defender of San Francisco In January 2001, Burton was appointed by Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown to replace Geoffrey F. Brown as Public Defender, following his appointment to the California Public Utilities Commission.

California State Personnel Board Following her defeat, Burton remained active in politics, endorsing her former boss Johan Klehs in his 2002 campaign for State Controller. Burton went on to work for Dennis Herrera in the City Attorney's office.

Since 2012, Burton has served as a member of the California State Personnel Board, having received a reappointment to the position in 2019 by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Personal life Burton was married to school board member Emilio Cruz. She currently lives with her two children in San Francisco, and serves on the board of directors of John Burton Advocates for Youth, an organization that advocates for youth who have been in foster care or homeless.