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 New Board Members
The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to welcome Greg Baylor, Carl Martinez, and Dr. Jason Rachels as new board members.
In October 2025, the ACSI Board met and welcomed three new members, who collectively bring a wealth of Christian education and public policy experience.
Baylor currently serves as senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, where he directs the Center for Religious Schools and serves as senior counsel with the Center for Public Policy. A frequent media commentator on religious liberty and education issues, Baylor holds leadership and advisory roles with several Christian education organizations.
“Alliance Defending Freedom and I have had the great honor of working closely with ACSI and many of its member schools throughout the years, and I am very much looking forward to partnering in a new way through service on the board,” he said.
Martinez is returning to serve a second term on ACSI’s Board. He has served for 27 years at Whittier Christian High School in California, holding a variety of roles including Athletic Director, Director of Marketing, Development Director, and Head of School.
“I am humbled and honored to serve a second term on the ACSI Board. I am deeply committed to the mission of ACSI and firmly believe that God is at work through the faithful and impactful efforts of this organization each day. Exciting days lie ahead, and we will continue to seek God’s wisdom as we move forward together.”
Rachels is President of Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, where he has faithfully served in various leadership roles over the past 25 years, assuming his current position in 2014. Under his leadership, CCA has grown into the largest school in the country accredited by a Christian school association, expanding to four campuses and serving over 3,500 students, while he also founded Schools United, the largest Christian educator conference globally.
“I look forward to having the opportunity to work with the board and ACSI leadership as we seek to help Christian schools across the globe to flourish. This is an incredible opportunity to impact young lives for Christ.”
ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor believes these members will provide informed strategic input as ACSI continues to expand its impact globally.
“We are thrilled to welcome these outstanding individuals to our Board. Their expertise, wisdom, and dedication to Christian education will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission.”