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 Promotes Key Leader to VP for Development, Supporting the Organization’s Vision for 2030
Colorado Springs, CO—The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce former Senior Director of ACSI’S Western Division Dr. Cecil Swetland's promotion to Vice President for Development.
In his new role, Swetland will support Vision 2030 by building strong relationships with Kingdom investors, creating a strong foundation for the important initiatives ahead. He will also oversee the work of Children’s Tuition Fund, Strategic Partners, and Donor Relations.
ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor believes this transition will enable Swetland and the team to foster opportunities to better support, provide access to, and advance Christ-centered education globally.
“I have been honored to witness Dr. Swetland’s humility and total dependence on God,” he shared. “He is passionate about the ACSI mission, and it is so encouraging to have people on our leadership team that are gifted relationship builders. I am excited to see him use his skills and giftings in this role of Vice President for Development.”
Swetland has held multiple roles at ACSI over the last nine years including Senior 
Director of Western Division and Regional Director for California and Hawaii. Prior to those positions, Swetland was a head of school for 18 years. He brings years of experience in the financial world along with experience with Christian education to help support ACSI’s mission.
ACSI Vice President of USA Dr. David Balik looks forward to Swetland leading the Development team.
“For the better part of nine years, Dr. Swetland has done an outstanding job serving the almost 600 schools in the Western Division,” he said. “I have no doubt that Cecil will bring the same level of commitment, quality, and hard work to his new role as VP for Development."
Taylor said, “We will be forever grateful to Cecil for his strong service to the Western Division. We are currently searching for his replacement and in the meantime, we will come alongside Western Division schools to ensure great member relational service continues.”
Swetland shared his excitement in serving through this new role.
“I am thankful to the Lord for the privilege of serving Him at ACSI,” Swetland expressed. “Our mission to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators has inspired me since joining our team almost nine years ago. It’s a joy to work with remarkable school leaders and colleagues every day. I am grateful and excited to take on the role of VP for Development and serve donors and sponsors as they invest in Kingdom education and play a key role in the work being done on behalf of Christian school students, teachers, and leaders worldwide.”
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.