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’s Annual Day of Prayer Unites Thousands of Christian Schools Worldwide
Thousands of Christian educators and students from around the world will join in celebrating the ninth annual ACSI Day of Prayer today.
The ACSI Day of Prayer is a highly anticipated event dedicated to strengthening Christ-centered education through prayer. ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor believes in the power of the ACSI network of schools worldwide coming together and lifting up the mission of Christian education in 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 reflects God’s work this year, but it also encourages us to seek Him daily, living with hearts full of gratitude for His provision and unwavering love."
The theme for this year’s Day of Prayer is “Power in Prayer,” reminding us that God listens and works when His people pray. According to James 5:16, we are called to pray for one another because the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. This year's theme will serve as a reminder that all prayers matter.
Mike Epp, ACSI Senior Vice President of Global Development, believes this event marks a beautiful, renewed commitment to worshipping God and seeking Him wholeheartedly.
“ACSI’s Global Day of Prayer stands as a beautiful and powerful reminder that, through Jesus Christ, we are united across nations and cultures in one sacred mission—to teach, disciple, and lead children into a life-changing relationship with Him,” he said. “This year’s theme, ‘Power in Prayer (James 5:16),’ invites us to seek God with bold faith and expectant hearts, trusting fully in His limitless power to move, provide, and strengthen Christian educators and students around the world.”
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.
During the 2025 Day of Prayer, ACSI received more than 640 prayer requests from 60+ countries, including Nigeria, Uganda, Hungary, Guatemala, Paraguay, and more. This year, schools have already joined in by submitting their prayer requests, demonstrating a continued global commitment to seeking God together.
Schools creatively structure their in-house Day of Prayer gatherings. In 2025, educators shared their celebration ideas on social media, including school-wide Chapels, Day of Prayer tent stations, art and music projects, and more.
To learn more, please visit https://www.acsi.org/day-of-prayer.