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 Welcomes “Dynamic Leader” as New Director of Early Education
Colorado Springs, Colo.– The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to welcome Dr. Althea Penn as its new Director of Early Education.
Penn brings more than 30 years of experience in organization leadership to ACSI, most recently serving as Executive Director of The Shepherd’s Academy Private School in Snellville, Georgia. She has served dozens of Christian schools as an educational consultant and professional development specialist.
Penn will lead the ACSI Early Education team in developing biblically based resources and providing professional development to support early educators. She will collaborate with other departments to carry out initiatives in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan, including the integration of current research for early childhood program practices.
She begins the role today.
ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor believes Penn’s devotion and innovation make her the ideal fit to lead ACSI Early Education, together supporting early educators in the critical task of laying a spiritual and academic foundation for young students.
"Dr. Penn is a dynamic leader whose passion and expertise are evident in her work,” he shared. “I have seen her in action as a speaker and writer for ACSI throughout the years and believe she will truly be a blessing and a resource for our educators.”
Penn holds two master’s degrees in Education Administration, a doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, certification as an Early Childhood Educator, and the National Administrator Credential. She has served as a teacher, children’s ministry director, and principal. Penn has a longstanding relationship with ACSI, serving as a speaker for ACSI Early Education webinars and as a keynote speaker for the Flourishing Schools Institute.
She looks forward to assuming her new position.
“I am honored to serve this team of early education experts, Christian early educators and program administrators,” she shared. “God has prepared us for such a time as this, and I look forward to combining our energy and efforts to develop digital resources that will promote exponential growth for kingdom education.”
Penn has written several books including “Christian Education Mandate,” “Firmly Rooted: Cultivating Faith Development in the Next Generation,” and “Equipping and Empowering Early Educators.”
To learn more about ACSI Early Education, visit the website or contact ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or by emailing 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. ACSI supports more than 5,000 member schools throughout the United States and around the world, which collectively serve approximately 1.2 million students. Through additional training programs, materials, and expertise provided to other educational groups worldwide, ACSI’s overall influence and positive impact reaches more than 26,000 schools operating in 100 countries, together serving 5.5 million people.
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