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 New Senior Vice President for Global Business Development
Colorado Springs, Colo.– The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kurt Unruh as the new Senior Vice President for Global Business Development.
In alignment with ACSI’s “Three Pillar” strategic plan, Unruh’s primary responsibilities will be to develop initiatives that expand the organization’s programs, products, and services to ensure greater economic growth for the continued funding of its mission.
In addition, he will oversee the connectedness of vision, global strategy, IT platforms, and effective synergies across all ACSI offices and partnerships to enhance overall impact.
He began his role Aug. 2, 2021.
Unruh joins ACSI with more than 15 years of experience in Christian education. He founded Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado in 2006, and has since grown enrollment to more than 1,000 students. Unruh also led the school in earning ACSI exemplary accreditation— a higher, more rigorous tier of accreditation. ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor believes Unruh will greatly contribute to the global mission of ACSI.
“Kurt Unruh is one of the most respected servant leaders in the country, and Valor is considered one of the top Christian schools,” he shared. “He has a vision to increase access to Kingdom education around the world.”
Before his time at Valor, Unruh served as an attorney in private practice focusing on business startups and charitable organizations.
Unruh looks forward to assuming his new duties.
“My vision for this role is that ACSI’s business development opportunities, new initiatives and strategic advancements would meet the moment of our movement,” Unruh said. “The Christian school movement is growing in connectiveness, and I look forward to helping provide more resources to strengthen its mission around the globe.”
Taylor believes this position will benefit Christian schools worldwide.
“ACSI has never had a position like this nor a person with Kurt’s skills and gifts,” he said. “This is a big day for ACSI but more importantly, for Christian education.”
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 23,000 schools in 100 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.
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