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 of USA
770-985-5840
Email
Dr. Gavin Brettenny
Associate Vice President of Global Strategic Development for Christian Education
719-867-0259
Email
![Buelke Buelke](/images/default-source/uploadedimages/buelke.jpg?sfvrsn=199dcdfd_0)
Kevin Buelke
Chief Finance Officer
719-867-0114
Email
Juan Cabrera
Chief Information Officer
719-867-0116
Email
Cindy Dodds
Chief of Flourishing Initiatives
719-867-6191
Email
Michael Epp
Senior Vice President of Global
719-867-0223
Email
Brett Henry, J.D.
Chief Executive Officer, Sevenstar
Vice President, Educational Resources
513-622-9608
Email
John Klingstedt
Chief Operating Officer
719-867-0255
Email
Christi Lynn
Vice President, Communications & Engagement
719-867-0202
Email
Chris Loncar
Vice President, Human Resources
719-867-0113
Email
Jerry Nelson
Chief Ministry Officer
719-867-5261
Email
Philip Scott, J.D.
Vice President for Legal Affairs
202-573-7776
Email
P. George Tryfiates
Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs
202-497-9521
Email
Susan Verheul
Vice President, Executive Initiatives
719-867-0250
Email
Dr. Cecil Swetland
Vice President for Development
719-867-5289
Email
News and Press Releases
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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.
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ACSI releases findings from nationwide survey of Christian schools’ reopening plans and outlook for the fall August 12, 2020
The Association of Christian Schools International is pleased to announce the release of data from its second nationwide survey of Christian schools’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on reopening plans and the financial outlook for fall 2020. Nearly 550 Christian schools representing diverse geographic locations and school sizes responded to the survey, which was conducted in late July.