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. 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
Dr. David Balik
Vice President USA / Director for North America
Dr. Gavin Brettenny
Chief Strategy Officer
Kevin Buelke
Chief Finance Officer
Roger Cressey
Chief Information & Technology Officer
Stephen Deck
Vice President of Education Standards
Cindy Dodds
Chief School Improvement Officer
Michael Epp
Senior Vice President of Global Development
Chuck Gilliam
Vice President of Membership and Strategic Alliances,
Senior Director, Eastern Division
Brett Henry, J.D.
Chief Operating Officer
John Klingstedt
Chief of Staff
Peter Lee
Director of East Asia
Chris Loncar
Vice President, Human Resources
Christi Lynn
Vice President, Communications & Engagement
Dr. Sosthene Maletoungou
Director of Africa
Jerry Nelson
Chief Ministry Officer
Emily Pigott
Vice President of Educational Resources & Student Programs
Stuart Salazar
Director of Latin America
Philip Scott, J.D.
Vice President for Legal Affairs
Rajeev Shaw
Vice President of Sales
Dr. Agus Susanto
Director of Asia Pacific
Dr. Cecil Swetland
Vice President for Development
Dr. Mark T
Director of South Asia
P. George Tryfiates
Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs
Susan Verheul
Vice President, Executive Initiatives
News and Press Releases
ACSI Announces Elisa Carlson as the New Board Chair
The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce Elisa Carlson as its new Board Chair. She will assume her duties Oct. 7.
In this role, Carlson will lead the ACSI Board of Directors for a two-year term, ensuring proper board oversight and accountability so that the association effectively fulfills its mission to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide. She will provide strategic leadership and spiritual oversight, helping to steward the association’s resources faithfully while guiding the board in effective, mission-aligned governance.
ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor expressed his excitement in the appointment of Elisa Carlson’s to serve in this role.
“We are honored to welcome Elisa Carlson as the new Chair of the ACSI Board,” he said. “She has served faithfully on the board for several years and leads a fruitful member school in Oregon. Elisa brings exceptional wisdom, experience, and passion for Christian education, and we are confident that her leadership will help advance our mission worldwide. We are also grateful for former Board Chair Dr. Todd Marrah’s exceptional service and are glad that he will continue serving as an ACSI Board Member.”
Carlson brings over three decades of experience in both public and private schools. She currently serves as the Head of School at Central Christian School in Redmond, OR, and has served on the ACSI Board as Chair-elect.
Carlson has also served on both the ACSI Global and Northwest Accreditation Commissions.
She expressed her excitement and commitment to her new position.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Board Chair and to work alongside such committed leaders who share a deep passion for advancing Kingdom education. As we move forward with Vision 2030, my focus is on keeping our eyes on the prize while seeking the Lord’s direction and discerning the best way ahead,” she said. “I’m eager to strengthen not only faithful governance and spiritual discernment, but also our growth as a truly global association. The goal is for Christian schools to flourish and, most importantly, for students to come alive in Christ. Whatever we can do as an association and board to foster that, the better."
ACSI is confident that Carlson’s leadership will provide strong guidance to ensure the organization’s mission is fulfilled.