Senior Leadership

Association of Christian Schools International / ACSI / About ACSI / Senior Leadership

Larry TaylorI 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. 28:16-20), 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 & CEO, ACSI
larry_taylor@acsi.org
719-867-0200

 

ACSI Senior Leadership

 

David Balik Vice President USA/Senior Director, Eastern Division

Dr. David Balik

 Vice President of USA
770-985-5840
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Gavin Brettenny

Dr. Gavin Brettenny

Associate Vice President of Global Strategic Development for Christian Education
719-867-0259
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Buelke

Kevin Buelke

Chief Finance Officer
719-867-0114
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Juan Cabrera

Juan Cabrera

Chief Information Officer
719-867-0116
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Cindee Dodds

Cindy Dodds

Vice President of Flourishing Initiatives
719-867-6191
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Senior Vice President of Global

Michael Epp

Senior Vice President of Global
719-867-0223
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Brett Henry

Brett Henry, J.D.

Chief Executive Officer, Sevenstar
Vice President, Educational Resources
513-622-9608
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John Klingstedt - COO

John Klingstedt

Chief Operating Officer
719-867-0255
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Christi Lynn Image

Christi Lynn

Vice President, Communications & Engagement
719-867-0202
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Chris-Loncar

Chris Loncar

Vice President, Human Resources
719-867-0113
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Jerry Nelson

Jerry Nelson

Chief Ministry Officer
719-867-5261
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Philip-Scott

Philip Scott, J.D.

Vice President for Legal Affairs
202-573-7776
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George Tryfiates

P. George Tryfiates

Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs
202-497-9521
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Susan Verheul - COO

Susan Verheul

Vice President, Executive Initiatives
719-867-0250
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Cecil Swetland

Dr. Cecil Swetland

Vice President for Development
719-867-5289
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News and Press Releases

Christian Schools From Around the Globe Join in ACSI’s Annual Day of Prayer

Feb 21, 2024, 09:59 AM by Caitlyn Harding

Colorado Springs, CO- Thousands of Christian educators and students from around the world will join in celebrating the seventh annual ACSI Day of Prayer on Tuesday, February 27.

The ACSI Day of Prayer is one of the Association’s most popular events, focusing on advancing Christ-centered education through prayer. ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor looks forward to the unification of schools around the world through prayer.  

“Now more than ever, there is an increased global desire for Christ-centered education, which is an encouraging trend to witness,” he said. “This not only showcases God’s faithfulness this year, it also reminds us to live in a constant state of praise, grateful for God’s provision and enduring love.”

The theme for this year’s Day of Prayer is “Faithfulness,” emphasizing the importance of God’s steadfast love and unchanging character. According to the website, the Isaiah 25:1 theme reminds individuals that God has a special plan and purpose for each and every one of them.   

Mike Epp, ACSI Senior Vice President of Global, believes this event marks a beautiful, renewed commitment to worshipping God and seeking Him wholeheartedly.  

“ACSI’s Global Day of Prayer is a profound demonstration of how we are unified, through Jesus Christ, to the passionate mission of teaching and discipling children to fully know Him,” he said. “We chose the theme ‘Faithfulness’ because of God’s constant faithfulness and to salute the perseverance and sacrifice of thousands of educators around the world who deliver the message of His love through their work.”

Schools can participate by submitting their prayer requests through the electronic form, which allows requests to be visible publicly on the ACSI website. They can also download the prayer guide, containing prayer station ideas and thematic Bible verses, to host an in-house Day of Prayer with their school communities. 

In 2023, Christian educators from more than 58 countries participated in the Day of Prayer, including Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, India, and many more. This year, schools from more than 38 countries have already submitted their prayer requests.

Schools creatively structure their in-house Day of Prayer gatherings. In 2023, educators shared their celebration ideas on social media, including school-wide Chapels, Day of Prayer tent stations, art and music projects, and more. 

Taylor said the theme of “Faithfulness” has perhaps never been more timely.

“God’s faithfulness throughout the past year at ACSI is apparent as we look at the many Christian educators that are being strengthened across the globe,” he said. “This year’s Day of Prayer will be a catalyst to unite educators in different cultural contexts through the power of prayer. It will be a time to thank God for His continuous faithfulness in bringing the love of Christ to schools and their surrounding communities.”

ACSI member Eastside Christian School participated in the 2023 Day of Prayer. Head of School Dr. Tiffany Stark shared their experience: “Our school loved participating in the ACSI Day of Prayer. There was a reverent attitude among our students as they stepped away from their regular classroom routines to join with schools across the globe to seek the Lord. Students from every grade level led our student body in prayer for our school, community, nation, and the world. What a gift to be part of an organization that aligns with the heartbeat of our school! Thank you, ACSI!”

To learn more about Day of Prayer, visit the website or contact ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or emailing careteam@acsi.org