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
Laci Demeter
Director of Europe
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
Dr. Angela Patterson
Director for International Schools
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
Temple Weiss
President, ACSI Education Foundation
News and Press Releases
ACSI Announces Promotion of Jeannie Forrest to Director of Early Education
The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeannie Forrest as the new Director of Early Education, providing leadership for ACSI’s Early Education Department and initiatives globally.
In this role, Forrest will lead a team dedicated to serving Christian early education leaders and programs through professional development, resources, mentoring, research, and collaboration. She will also work closely with ACSI department directors and organizational leaders to ensure early education services are comprehensive, cohesive, and aligned with ACSI’s mission and strategic plan.
Forrest has served at ACSI for 14 years, most recently as the Assistant Director of Early Education at ACSI. Her promotion to Director is a natural transition for both her and the team, recognizing her experience, expertise, and heart for serving educators and leaders of young children.
"I am honored to step into this role and continue advocating for Christian early education," Forrest shared. "At the heart of my work is a desire to encourage, equip, and empower early education leaders and educators as they strengthen their programs and impact the lives of children and families. I want them to know they have a trusted partner in ACSI as they navigate change and create environments where young children can learn, grow, and experience the love of Christ."
A key focus of her new role will be strengthening professional learning opportunities for early educators, including conferences, webinars, networks, and other biblically based professional development.
Forrest will also collaborate across ACSI to support early education accreditation and certification, address state requirements, and maintain relationships with state childcare and licensing agencies. The role includes oversight of ACSI’s Florida Approval Program, including standards review, professional development, inspections, enrollment, and compliance coordination.
Dr. David Balik, ACSI Vice President of USA, looks forward to Forrest assuming her new role.
“For more than 14 years, Jeannie has poured her heart into serving young learners and families in our Early Education programs, most recently as our Assistant Director of EE. Her experience, wisdom, and heart for children have prepared her for exactly this moment. I've seen her lead with excellence and compassion, and I'm confident Early Ed at ACSI will grow in impact under her leadership. It's a joy to see her step into this role, for such a time as this,” he said.
Through this leadership, ACSI will continue to strengthen its support for early education leaders and programs.
To learn more about ACSI Early Education, visit the website https://www.acsi.org/academic-programs/early-education.