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 Grants Exemplary Accreditation to Christian Schools for 2026
ACSI Exemplary Accreditation is designed for top-performing schools that are seeking to maintain higher standards for all programs and operations. There are 29 Christian schools total that hold this status.
In addition to meeting the Inspire indicators at an effective or highly effective level, these schools have a demonstrable history of exemplary programs and practices in governance, executive leadership, school viability, student learning, spiritual formation, and overall school culture.
Dan Beckering, Head of School at Southwest Christian High School, shared how he feels to be recognized as one of the ACSI Exemplary Accredited schools.
"We are honored to join the select group of ACSI Exemplary schools and belong to such a wonderful network of flourishing Christian communities,” he said. “ACSI's Exemplary Accreditation process has been a catalyst to help us be more effective in our mission to develop mature disciples of Jesus Christ."
Santa Fe Christian Schools Chief Academic Officer Hannah Park reflected on the impact the accreditation process had on their school community.
"The accreditation process gave us an opportunity to pause and reflect on who we are as a school," Park said. "It was a season to celebrate the ways God has blessed our community and to prayerfully consider where we might grow. Additionally, this process affirmed that Santa Fe Christian Schools is a vibrant and healthy community, deeply rooted in its mission and biblical foundation.”
Vice President of Education Standards Stephen Deck shared why accreditation is meaningful for schools.
“Accreditation documents that a school is true to its stated mission and helps schools determine their own effectiveness in fulfilling the standards through a peer-review process that culminates in an action plan for continued improvement,” he said. “Similar to the picture in Jeremiah 17:7-8 of a tree planted by the water sending its roots by the stream, ACSI Accreditation provides a structured process for a school to strengthen its roots, helping the school to flourish.” Schools that pursue Exemplary Accreditation take the process a step further, seeking additional depth in the overall process.
ACSI renewed the exemplary status of one school this spring. The association appreciates schools that continue to maintain exemplary standards and are strong leaders amongst Christian schools.
• Christian Academy School System (Louisville, KY)