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 Hires Distinguished Oxford Ph.D. Scholar and Cross-Cultural Ministry Leader as Global Division Director for Africa
ACSI President and CEO, Dr. Larry Taylor, believes Maletoungou will greatly amplify the reach and influence of Christian education in Africa. “Dr. Maletoungou joining our global leadership team is a critical step in fulfilling our new global strategic plan. I am thrilled for Sosthene’s passion to build more biblically based education opportunities and to guide Christian education efforts throughout the continent of Africa.”
Maletoungou recently defended his Ph.D. thesis in Comparative and International Education jointly with the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies and Middlesex University. His research focuses on teacher pedagogy and student learning processes in private secondary schools in Francophone Africa. Originally from Central African Republic, Maletoungou has served international ministries including Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and Resonate Global Mission across the Middle East, Europe, North America and Africa. Maletoungou shared his excitement about beginning his new position. “I feel honored and humbled by the invitation to pursue the Lord’s calling for Kingdom building through authentic Christian schooling with ACSI,” he said. “I look forward with great anticipation to working together with ACSI leaders and stakeholders to aid the global movement of Christian education and much more, taking it to the next level in Africa as we advocate, coach and mentor Christian educators for fruitfulness.”
Along with his wife Kara, a graduate in elementary education and teacher educator from Montana, he also pioneered the Teacher’s Garden Project—a Christian Education Resource Center focusing on biblical integration and contextualization for Francophone Africa teachers and K-12 classrooms. Maletoungou is fluent in French, English, and Sangho, with basic proficiency in Arabic and a few local African languages.
ACSI Associate Vice President of Global Strategic Development Gavin Brettenny believes Maletoungou will be an invaluable resource for Christian educators across Africa.
“We see a bright future in Africa as the Kingdom goes forward,” he shared. “Sosthene and his family are wonderful, committed servants to Christ. I look forward to seeing the fruitful work God accomplishes through him.”
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.
Follow ACSI on our social channels: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Instagram