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 Announces Appointment of New Vice President of Flourishing Initiatives
Colorado Springs, Colo. – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Cindy Dodds as the Vice President of Flourishing Initiatives. Her responsibilities will include facilitating collaboration across departments to ensure the integration of the Flourishing Schools Research within ACSI.
She will begin this new role June 17, 2021.
Dodds has served ACSI for four years in a variety of capacities, most recently as the Director of Professional Development. Before her time in the Professional Development Department, Dodds led and resourced hundreds of Christian school leaders as the ACSI Northeast Regional Director. Before joining ACSI, she served 20 years in Christian education as an administrator for two Christian schools in Pennsylvania. Dodds has served on the ACSI Board, Accreditation Commission and Regional Council. She was also a field director for the Children’s Tuition Fund and an advocacy team member for ACSIPA, a network of Pennsylvania Christian Schools advocating for public support of school choice.
According to ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor, Dodds brings the right skill set and experience to the position.
“As Director of Professional Development, Cindy Dodds has shown exceptional leadership,” he said. “I have witnessed her commitment to school growth and her passion for leadership development. I believe she’ll bring a unique perspective to this role.”
Dodds’ focus will be ensuring organizational alignment with the Flourishing Schools Research. This will include accreditation revisions, field-level consulting/convening activities, and all professional development offerings, including leadership development programs, digital content development, speaker or organizational engagements/partnerships and Flourishing School Networks.
In anticipation of coordinating a variety of educational offerings on behalf of the association, Dodds is excited to assume the new role.
“I am both humbled and honored to become the steward of ACSI’s groundbreaking Flourishing Schools Research,” she said. “As a former head of school, I realize the incredible impact this research will have on the culture of our Christian schools. I am grateful to work alongside such a deeply committed leadership team in serving our members.”
According to Taylor, the creation of this position is intentionally aligned with ACSI’s Strategic Plan.
“All work at ACSI is informed by the strategic plan,” he said. “The position of Vice President of Flourishing Initiatives will help to truly advance the Kingdom. I believe Dodds’ transition to this role will be seamless.”
To learn more about ACSI, please visit the website at ACSI.org or connect with the ACSI Care Team by calling (800)367-0798 or at careteam@acsi.org.
About ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, 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 through 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.
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