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 Names Future Senior Director for the Central Division
ACSI is pleased to announce that Mike Allen has been named the new Central Division Senior Director. In this role, Allen will drive strategic growth across the Division by mentoring educators, strengthening relationships with school leaders, and championing initiatives that advance Christian education.
Allen will assume this role July 1, 2026, following the passing of the former senior director, Dr. Jeff Mattner, who faithfully and selflessly served for 14 years.
“We mourn the loss of our brother in Christ, Dr. Jeff Mattner,” said ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor. “The work he has done over the last decade has positioned so many of our schools for eternal impact. Mike Allen brings the right spirit and vision to pick up where Jeff so faithfully left off. We welcome him and look forward to seeing how God will use him.”
ACSI Vice President of USA, Dr. David Balik, added, "Last fall, Jeff shared his plans to retire, and we prayerfully began an intentional search for his successor, with the goal of a transition beginning in the summer of 2026. After much prayer and a thorough nationwide search, God graciously led us to Mike Allen, Head of School at Evansville Christian School. While we deeply grieve the loss of our brother Jeff, we are profoundly grateful that God had already gone before us in this process. I am confident that Mike is prepared to step forward and faithfully serve our Central Division schools across the United States."
Allen brings extensive experience in Christian school leadership, a passion for advancing Christ-centered education, and a proven ability to cultivate flourishing school cultures. He has served at Evansville Christian School in Indiana since 2011, and as Superintendent since 2015. Under his leadership, Evansville has grown from a 585 student PK-8 grade educational organization to a 1,100 student PS-12 grade organization, with over 150 staff members, spanning four buildings.
As Superintendent, Allen has been the visionary, educational, and spiritual leader of the school overseeing mission advancement, organizational development, and long-term sustainability.
He is a 2024 ACSI Flourishing Practitioner Award recipient—an award that recognizes leaders who exemplify and advance a flourishing school culture. He has also contributed regularly to ACSI’s blog, offering insights on cultural leadership, and has been featured on various blogs and podcasts discussing Christian education.
Allen is looking forward to assuming his new role.
“I can't help but think of every person who has poured into my leadership journey throughout my career,” he said. “Knowing how much each of those interactions helped shape me is what fuels my desire to serve the schools of our Central Division in a way that honors the Lord and honors people. I am so very grateful to serve alongside our dedicated ACSI leaders toward the flourishing of our dedicated school leaders!”