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 Hosts 125 Christian School Leaders from 34 Countries for International School Leader Conference in Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia– The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) will host its next International School Leader Conference, drawing 125 delegates from 34 countries to Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik from April 23-26, 2023.
Keynote speakers include Dr. Roger Parrott, President of Belhaven University and Senior Leader of the Lausanne Movement, and Dr. Larry Taylor, President & CEO of ACSI.
Tim Shuman, conference host and Senior Director of the ACSI International Division, looks forward to this unique networking time.
“Dr. Parrott has rich experience engaging various cultures around the world,” he shared. “This conference for international school leaders has been a favorite on our calendars for more than 20 years.”
Parrott, recognized as one of the 10 most visionary education leaders of 2021 by “The Education Magazine,” is thrilled to join as keynote speaker.
“I am passionate about helping the people that God has entrusted to me to get the mission accomplished,” he said. “Due to the pandemic, this conference was postponed. I am looking forward to finally being together and will share some ways to hire well, conduct evaluation and maintain accountability.”
Conference sessions will challenge participants in their thinking and allow for open discussion in small group settings.
“We’ve intentionally structured this time to serve as deep professional development for leaders as well as a reprieve away from the busyness of school life,” Shuman said.
Breakout sessions will cover topics including ACSI’s Flourishing research, Trauma Informed Care, Building a Sustainable Financial Framework, and more.
Parrott’s keynote session will focus on leading well and embracing change.
“I’ve always thought I don’t have to motivate an employee if I can just help them find their calling and fulfill that calling,” he shared.
Administrators at this year’s conference will represent 46 schools across Europe, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, Asia and North America.
To learn more about the International School Leader Conference, visit the website.
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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