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 Key Changes in Staff Structure Designed to Support the Organization’s Vision for 2030
Colorado Springs, CO– The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce key changes in its staff structure designed to better achieve key organizational missional outcomes.
Cindy Dodds, former Vice President of Flourishing Initiatives, will now serve as Chief of Flourishing Initiatives. In her new role, Dodds will collaborate across departments to oversee the integration of the Flourishing Schools research within ACSI, ensuring that it reaches and impacts school-level practices. The expansion of her role will enable the Flourishing Initiatives Department to embark on ACSI’s Vision 2030 while elevating the digital content development, partnerships, and Flourishing School Networks.
In a similar move, Dr. Gavin Brettenny will assume the position of Chief Strategy Officer, overseeing global development and the implementation of ACSI’s strategic direction. This transition will allow Brettenny and his team to ensure the ACSI mission and vision are positioned for success.
ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor believes these staff changes will enable Dodds and Brettenny to continue furthering the kingdom through Christ-centered education in their new respective roles.
“Cindy Dodds and Dr. Gavin Brettenny are two people who consistently pursue excellence, and I am immensely proud of their commitment to furthering ACSI’s goals,” he shared. “Through these new roles, they both will continue to resource and posture ACSI for future success.”
Dodds has served with ACSI for six years, as Northeast Regional Director, Professional Development Director, and then Vice President of Flourishing Initiatives. Prior to joining ACSI, Dodds served for 20 years in Christian school leadership as a head of school for two Christian schools in Pennsylvania.
Brettenny has previously served as the ACSI Vice President of Global and brings more than 20 years of international Christian education experience, having led international schools in both Germany and South Africa where he helped advance, advocate for, and increase access to quality Christian education.
Taylor shared his enthusiasm regarding these key staff changes.
“God is truly on the move at ACSI… He consistently brings the right people at the right time for the right roles. I am looking forward to seeing how He will work through Cindy Dodds and Dr. Gavin Brettenny.”
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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