Senior Leadership
I am inspired by the faith, courage, and reverence for God by Christian educators around the world! It reminds me of the story recounted in
I Samuel 17 about David defeating Goliath. In verse 29, David’s response to the inaction of his elder brothers
and the Israelites especially encourages me. He boldly and nobly answers the call to action by asking, "Is there not a cause?”
I can think of no greater cause than to partner with you as you advance Kingdom education. We fully believe that authentic devotion to the Christian faith and academic excellence are mutually reinforcing. There are not two or three forms of excellence, but rather an ethos that is cultivated throughout every facet of our schools. Faith is not separated from learning but rather integrated intentionally, resulting in a distinctive Christian worldview.
Scholarship and learning become an integral component to the maturation process known as discipleship. Thus, becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ, the ultimate objective of the Great Commission (Matt. 26:28-30), is the prize for which we strive; it is the highest form of excellence! It is certainly conceivable that we could produce students with the spiritual depth needed to enter our pluralistic society and not fall prey to empty philosophies. Rather, they would be equipped to saturate the marketplace to which God has called them with confidence, purpose, and an eternal perspective.
ACSI’s ongoing mission is to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. We want to serve you as you continue to cultivate and sustain a flourishing school. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you—thank you for your obedience to God’s call on your life—you are indeed making a difference.
Dr. Larry Taylor
President, ACSI
larry_taylor@acsi.org
719-867-0200
President's Advisory Team
David Balik
Vice President of USA
770-985-5840
Email
Gavin Brettenny
Associate Vice President of Global Strategic Development for Christian Education
Kevin Buelke
Chief Finance Officer
719-867-0114
Email
Juan Cabrera
Chief Information Officer
719-867-0116
Email
Cindy Dodds
Vice President of Flourishing Initiatives
Email
Michael Epp
Senior Vice President of Global
719-867-0223
Email
Brett Henry
Chief Executive Officer, Sevenstar
513-622-9608
Email
John Klingstedt
Chief Operating Officer
719-867-0255
Email
Christi Lynn
Vice President, Office of Communications & Engagement
719-867-0202
Email
Jerry Nelson
Chief Ministry Officer
Lynn Swaner
Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer
719-867-5281
Email
P. George Tryfiates
Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs
202-497-9521
Email
Kurt Unruh
Senior Vice President for Global Business Development
719-867-0128
Email
Susan Verheul
Finance Director and Controller
719-867-0250
Email
News and Press Releases
ACSI Announces Appointment of New Associate Vice President of Global Strategic Development
He will begin this new role on Aug. 1, 2021.
Brettenny brings 20 years of experience in international Christian education, currently serving as head of school at Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany. Before joining Black Forest Academy, he led Harvest Christian School in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Brettenny serves as the Director of Strategic Development for ACSI Africa and is a member of ACSI’s Global Council. Throughout his career, he has designed and facilitated ACSI African Roundtables, created development strategies for ACSI country offices, and led the research-structured Elephant Project, a teacher training program assisting thousands of schools in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.According to Mike Epp, ACSI Senior Vice President of Global, “Gavin’s perspective, experience, and positive relationship with our ACSI leadership and other international organizations will help strengthen the worldwide movement of Christian schooling.”
Epp expressed the importance of this role as ACSI moves more dynamically in the direction of reshaping to be a truly global outreach. He explained that Brettenny possesses the insights, strategic mindset, and passion for Christian education to help make this happen.
ACSI President, Dr. Larry Taylor, also looks forward to Brettenny joining the ACSI leadership team. “Gavin brings a unique skillset that will serve to better align ACSI as a fully international organization,” Taylor said. “We believe he will make a great impact for the Kingdom through his leadership and service to Christian schools.”
Brettenny is excited about contributing to ACSI’s global work.
“ACSI’s expert personnel, reputation for quality work, and healthy relationships across organizations enable our global role in advancing Christian education,” he said. “It’s going to be a privilege to collaborate with national, regional, and other leaders for the development of a high-performing association in service to schools around the world. I look forward to facilitating that process.”
To learn more about ACSI, please visit the website at www.ACSI.org or connect with the ACSI Care Team by calling (800)367-0798 or at careteam@acsi.org.
About ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., ACSI exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. ACSI advances excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing vital support functions for Christian schools through multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.
Follow ACSI on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ACSIUSA or on Twitter at @ACSIUSA.