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 Welcomes New President of the ACSI Education Foundation and Promotion of Senior Director of Children’s Tuition Fund
The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce that Temple Weiss has been named President of the ACSI Education Foundation and will lead the efforts of the new Federal Tax Credit work through its Children’s Tuition Fund (CTF). He will assume his duties at ACSI on March 30, 2026.
Weiss brings extensive experience in finance, strategy, and business development, most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer of Accelerate Learning, a leading provider of STEM-focused curriculum for K–12 school districts across the United States. Through his career in business and his service on Christian school boards, he has developed a strong conviction for educational freedom and school choice.
In addition, ACSI has also promoted James Elliott, former Director of the Children’s Tuition Fund, to Senior Director of the Children’s Tuition Fund, ensuring continued momentum and strategic leadership in advancing ACSI's State Tax Credit programs. Elliott brings a wealth of experience overseeing the disbursement of millions of dollars in scholarship funds to five states.
ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor expressed confidence that Weiss and Elliott will elevate the organization’s efforts with emerging Federal Tax Credit opportunities.
“This is a defining moment for school choice in our nation,” said Taylor. “Temple brings the expertise and leadership needed to help us steward this opportunity well and expand access to Christ-centered education to more families than ever before. James has served at ACSI’s Children’s Tuition Fund faithfully for several years. This natural transition will bolster our impact across the country.”
Weiss has held key executive positions throughout his career, including serving in senior executive positions at La Quinta, CEC Entertainment, and LEARFIELD, as well as several other companies. He earned his undergraduate degree in business administration from Baylor University and his graduate degree from the University of Houston.
He is looking forward to assuming his new role.
"I am deeply honored to join the ACSI team at such a pivotal time for educational freedom in our country. I have seen firsthand the transformative power of a Christ-centered education. I look forward to leveraging my experience in the corporate sector to expand the impact of the Children’s Tuition Fund, ensuring that more families have the opportunity to choose an education that aligns with their values and empowers their children to flourish."
Beginning in 2027, taxpayers can receive a credit for contributions made to the Children's Tuition Fund and other scholarship granting organizations that would have been otherwise owed in federal income taxes on a dollar-for-dollar basis. To learn more, visit the website.