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
600 Christian School Educators Convene to Strengthen and Advance Flourishing Schools
The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) will host its annual Flourishing Schools Institute (FSi) in Dallas, Texas, a premier professional development experience designed to equip Christian educators to cultivate Christ-centered, thriving school cultures. The 2026 institute will take place February 17–19 at the Omni Fort Worth.
The FSi brings together educators from Christian schools across the country for three days of biblical worldview training, strategic insight, and practical application. Grounded in ACSI’s Flourishing Schools research framework, the institute focuses on strengthening school culture by integrating faith, leadership excellence, and effective educational practice.
The Herzog Foundation has invested in the ACSI training model by generously covering a significant portion of the attendee expenses.
ACSI Chief School Improvement Officer Cindy Dodds shared that the 2026 Flourishing Schools Institute will be a distinctive and impactful gathering.
“The FSi engages a ‘Whole-Part-Whole’ philosophy,” Dodds said. “Our goal is that the entire school community is equipped to thrive holistically—head, heart, and hands—within a biblical worldview framework.”
She added that the 2026 institute will offer specialized training tracks for heads of school, teachers, and operational staff, with sessions tailored to the needs of each group and addressing topics such as parent engagement, digital discipleship, classroom innovation, and financial stewardship.
Also at this year’s institute, three ACSI member schools will receive recognition for earning ACSI Exemplary Accreditation. Calvary Christian High School in Clearwater, FL, Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, CA, and Scottsdale Christian Academy in Phoenix, AZ have all achieved ACSI Exemplary Accreditation through hard work and a commitment to upholding excellence.
Exemplary Accreditation is reserved for high-performing schools seeking to be held to higher standards. Schools must demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement, evidenced by stakeholder feedback, multiple forms of data, and more.
Through these initiatives, ACSI remains passionate about equipping schools and advancing Christ-centered education.
To learn more about the Flourishing Schools Institute, visit https://www.acsi.org/flourishing-schools-culture/flourishing-schools-institute.