His mission is to help 7 billion citizens be heard on their most pressing work and life issues through the Gallup World Poll, a 100-year initiative spanning over 150 countries.

Clifton is a nonresident senior fellow at Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion. He serves on the boards of directors for Gallup and Young Professionals in Foreign Policy.

Clifton received a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from Midland University.