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
Dr. Gavin Brettenny
Chief Strategy Officer
Kevin Buelke
Chief Finance Officer
Cindy Dodds
Chief of Flourishing Initiatives
Michael Epp
Senior Vice President of Global
Brett Henry, J.D.
Chief Executive Officer, Sevenstar
Vice President, Educational Resources
John Klingstedt
Chief Operating Officer
Christi Lynn
Vice President, Communications & Engagement
Chris Loncar
Vice President, Human Resources
Jerry Nelson
Chief Ministry Officer
Philip Scott, J.D.
Vice President for Legal Affairs
P. George Tryfiates
Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs
Susan Verheul
Vice President, Executive Initiatives
Dr. Cecil Swetland
Vice President for Development
News and Press Releases
ACSI Appoints New VP for Public Policy, General Counsel
Novotny will assume his new duties on September 1, 2020.
As an attorney, Novotny has successfully represented and advised leading Fortune 500 corporations to small privately-owned companies. He is a member of both the Texas State Bar and the Washington State Bar.
In the arena of Christian education, Novotny recently completed 10 years of service as the executive director of Cypress Christian School in Houston, Texas. Under his leadership, the school experienced dynamic growth in all operational areas and enjoyed national recognition as an AP Capstone School with top-ranked scholastic, athletic, and fine arts programs.
ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor expressed excitement and anticipation on Novotny joining the association. “I’ve known Stephen for many years and his background, professionalism, and skillset are exactly what we need at this time in light of our emphasis on serving Christian schools in Legal and Legislative matters,” Taylor said. “Our school leaders have rated ACSI’s Legal & Legislative services as one of the most important member benefits provided. Steve is joining a strong team, and I am confident that under his leadership this strategic and essential ACSI service will become even stronger.”
Novotny also has served as an executive board member with the Texas Private School Association working to advance the public policy interests of private schools in Texas. Prior to his work in law and education, Mr. Novotny served as an officer in the United States Army, leading and training soldiers, and providing operational leadership for short range air defense gun and missile units.
“There has never been a time in our history where the freedom to think, the freedom to teach truth, and the freedom to choose the best educational environment for one’s own children have been more important,” Novotny explained. “I consider it a privilege to join ACSI in protecting these freedoms and in its mission to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators so that parents will always have the opportunity to send their children to a school that has both academic excellence and biblical values.”
Novotny has been married to Rachel Novotny for 28 years and together they have two sons, Calvin and Clayton, both of whom recently finished their time of service in the U.S. Army as Airborne Rangers with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment and are now pursing university studies.
About ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., ACSI exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. ACSI advances excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing vital support functions for Christian schools by offering multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.
For more information on the ministry, visit www.ACSI.org or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ACSIUSA or on Twitter at @ACSIUSA