News

ACSI is pleased to announce that Mike Allen has been named the new Central Division Senior Director. In this role, Allen will drive strategic growth across the Division by mentoring educators, strengthening relationships with school leaders, and championing initiatives that advance Christian education.  

Allen will assume this role July 1, 2026, following the passing of the former senior director, Dr. Jeff Mattner, who faithfully and selflessly served for 14 years. 

“We mourn the loss of our brother in Christ, Dr. Jeff Mattner,” said ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor. “The work he has done over the last decade has positioned so many of our schools for eternal impact. Mike Allen brings the right spirit and vision to pick up where Jeff so faithfully left off. We welcome him and look forward to seeing how God will use him.” 

ACSI Vice President of USA, Dr. David Balik, added, "Last fall, Jeff shared his plans to retire, and we prayerfully began an intentional search for his successor, with the goal of a transition beginning in the summer of 2026. After much prayer and a thorough nationwide search, God graciously led us to Mike Allen, Head of School at Evansville Christian School. While we deeply grieve the loss of our brother Jeff, we are profoundly grateful that God had already gone before us in this process. I am confident that Mike is prepared to step forward and faithfully serve our Central Division schools across the United States." 

Allen brings extensive experience in Christian school leadership, a passion for advancing Christ-centered education, and a proven ability to cultivate flourishing school cultures. He has served at Evansville Christian School in Indiana since 2011, and as Superintendent since 2015. Under his leadership, Evansville has grown from a 585 student PK-8 grade educational organization to a 1,100 student PS-12 grade organization, with over 150 staff members, spanning four buildings. 

As Superintendent, Allen has been the visionary, educational, and spiritual leader of the school overseeing mission advancement, organizational development, and long-term sustainability. 

He is a 2024 ACSI Flourishing Practitioner Award recipient—an award that recognizes leaders who exemplify and advance a flourishing school culture. He has also contributed regularly to ACSI’s blog, offering insights on cultural leadership, and has been featured on various blogs and podcasts discussing Christian education. 

Allen is looking forward to assuming his new role. 

“I can't help but think of every person who has poured into my leadership journey throughout my career,” he said. “Knowing how much each of those interactions helped shape me is what fuels my desire to serve the schools of our Central Division in a way that honors the Lord and honors people. I am so very grateful to serve alongside our dedicated ACSI leaders toward the flourishing of our dedicated school leaders!”