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. 26:28-30), 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, ACSI
larry_taylor@acsi.org
719-867-0200
President's Advisory Team
David Balik
Vice President of USA
david_balik@acsi.org
770-985-5840
Gavin Brettenny
Associate Vice President of Global Strategic Development for Christian Education
Kevin Buelke
Chief Finance Officer
kevin_buelke@acsi.org
719-867-0114
Juan Cabrera
Chief Information Officer
juan_cabrera@acsi.org
719-867-0116
Thomas Cathey
Chief Of Staff
tom_cathey@acsi.org
719-867-0201
Stephen Dill
Executive Director, ACSI Education Foundation
steve_dill@acsi.org
719-867-5260
Cindy Dodds
Vice President of Flourishing Initiatives
cindy_dodds@acsi.org
Michael Epp
Senior Vice President of Global
mike_epp@acsi.org
719-867-0223
John Klingstedt
Chief Operating Officer
john_klingstedt@acsi.org
719-867-0255
Larry Lincoln
Chief Communication & Engagement Officer
larry_lincoln@acsi.org
719-867-0213
Jerry Nelson
Special Advisor to the President
George Tryfiates
Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs
george_tryfiates@acsi.org
202-497-9521
Lynn Swaner
Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer
lynn_swaner@acsi.org
719-867-5281
Kurt Unruh
Senior Vice President for Global Business Development
kurt_unruh@acsi.org
719-867-0128
Susan Verheul
Finance Director and Controller
susan_verheul@acsi.org
719-867-0250
News and Press Releases
- ACSI Announces Leadership Divisional, Professional Development Staff Transitions September 29, 2020
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ACSI Charts New Strategic Direction Established on Advancing, Access, and Advocacy September 8, 2020
In response to the changing needs of its members and of Christian educators in a rapidly-evolving landscape, the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is renewing its commitment to Christian schools and teachers by embarking on a new strategic direction characterized by three foundational pillars of Advancing, Access, and Advocacy. -
ACSI Announces Changes to Senior Leadership Team, Eastern Division August 25, 2020
ACSI is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. David Balik to the position of Vice President of USA. Balik most recently served as ACSI’s Senior Director, Eastern Division and Southeast Regional Director for five years. -
ACSI Appoints New VP for Public Policy, General Counsel
August 18, 2020
ACSI is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Novotny as its new Vice President for Public Policy and General Counsel. Combining his unique background in both the legal profession and Christian school administration, Novotny will focus on protecting and promoting the interests of ACSI and its member schools.