Senior Leadership

Association of Christian Schools International / ACSI / About ACSI / Senior Leadership

Larry TaylorI 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

 

David Balik Vice President USA/Senior Director, Eastern Division

Dr. David Balik

 Vice President of USA

 

Gavin Brettenny

Dr. Gavin Brettenny

Chief Strategy Officer

 

Buelke

Kevin Buelke

Chief Finance Officer

 

Juan Cabrera

Juan Cabrera

Chief Information Officer

 

Cindee Dodds

Cindy Dodds

Chief of Flourishing Initiatives

 

Senior Vice President of Global

Michael Epp

Senior Vice President of Global

 

Brett Henry

Brett Henry, J.D.

Chief Executive Officer, Sevenstar
Vice President, Educational Resources

John Klingstedt - COO

John Klingstedt

Chief Operating Officer


Christi Lynn Image

Christi Lynn

Vice President, Communications & Engagement

Chris-Loncar

Chris Loncar

Vice President, Human Resources

 

Jerry Nelson

Jerry Nelson

Chief Ministry Officer

 

Philip-Scott

Philip Scott, J.D.

Vice President for Legal Affairs

 

George Tryfiates

P. George Tryfiates

Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs

Susan Verheul - COO

Susan Verheul

Vice President, Executive Initiatives

Cecil Swetland

Dr. Cecil Swetland

Vice President for Development

News and Press Releases

Educators From Around the Globe Unite in ACSI Annual Day of Prayer

Feb 14, 2022, 08:03 AM by Caitlyn Harding

Colorado Springs, Colo., Feb. 14, 2022 – Thousands of Christian educators around the world will join in celebrating the fifth annual ACSI Day of Prayer Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022.

The ACSI Day of Prayer is one of the Association’s most popular events, focusing on advancing Christ-centered education through prayer.  ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor looks forward to the unification of schools around the world through prayer.

“There’s no doubt that the past few school years have been unique and challenging, but God desires for His people to flourish in spite of the surrounding circumstances,” he said.

The theme for this year’s Day of Prayer is “Shalom,” emphasizing the importance of finding contentment in Jesus no matter the cultural tides. According to the website, the theme also reminds individuals that all have a part to play in God’s larger story.

Mike Epp, ACSI Senior Vice President of Global, believes this event marks a beautiful, renewed commitment to worshipping God and seeking Him wholeheartedly. 

“It has been remarkable to see the international connections taking place on this special day of prayer,” he said. “It reminds us of God’s global work of redemption and how His message transcends all cultures, unifying us as brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Schools can participate by submitting their prayer requests through the electronic form, which allows requests to be visible publicly on the ACSI website. They can also host an in-house Day of Prayer with their school communities.

In 2021, Christian educators from more than 50 countries participated in the Day of Prayer. This year, schools from 45 countries have submitted prayer requests thus far, including Cambodia, Nepal, Taiwan, Japan, South Africa, Austria, Russia and the U.S.

As stated on the Day of Prayer website, the foundational verses for this year’s initiative are Philippians 4:6-7, a passage of Scripture that reiterates the importance of surrendering anxieties through prayer and supplication.

Taylor said the theme Shalom has perhaps never been more relevant.

“At ACSI, we have been praying for our schools continually—especially during the pandemic—for our educators to have the endurance they need to run the race before them,” he shared. “This Day of Prayer will be a powerful way to bring all of our Christian educators across the globe together, joining on our knees in prayer.”

ACSI is providing Day of Prayer resources for school use, including a prayer guide packed with creative ideas on how to make the day special.

ACSI member school Christian Academy in Indiana, a participant in last year’s event, shared this memorable Tweet from Day of Prayer 2021: “What a blessing to join others around the world in prayer to our Savior! Join us in praying for our schools, community, country and world!”

To learn more about Day of Prayer, visit the website or contact ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or 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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