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
770-985-5840
Email
Dr. Gavin Brettenny
Chief Strategy Officer
719-867-0259
Email
![Buelke Buelke](/images/default-source/uploadedimages/buelke.jpg?sfvrsn=199dcdfd_0)
Kevin Buelke
Chief Finance Officer
719-867-0114
Email
Juan Cabrera
Chief Information Officer
719-867-0116
Email
Cindy Dodds
Chief of Flourishing Initiatives
719-867-6191
Email
Michael Epp
Senior Vice President of Global
719-867-0223
Email
Brett Henry, J.D.
Chief Executive Officer, Sevenstar
Vice President, Educational Resources
513-622-9608
Email
John Klingstedt
Chief Operating Officer
719-867-0255
Email
Christi Lynn
Vice President, Communications & Engagement
719-867-0202
Email
Chris Loncar
Vice President, Human Resources
719-867-0113
Email
Jerry Nelson
Chief Ministry Officer
719-867-5261
Email
Philip Scott, J.D.
Vice President for Legal Affairs
202-573-7776
Email
P. George Tryfiates
Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs
202-497-9521
Email
Susan Verheul
Vice President, Executive Initiatives
719-867-0250
Email
Dr. Cecil Swetland
Vice President for Development
719-867-5289
Email
News and Press Releases
ACSI Receives Full Recognition Status from the National Council for Private School Accreditation
Colorado Springs, CO – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is proud to announce that it has been granted full recognition status by the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA). This prestigious recognition was awarded during the NCPSA national meeting held June 3-5, 2024, in Williamsburg, Virginia.
This title is a significant milestone for ACSI, underscoring the association's commitment to maintaining high standards of educational excellence, integrity, and accountability in private Christian education. The decision was made following a rigorous evaluation process, which confirmed that ACSI meets the stringent criteria set by NCPSA for accrediting private schools.
ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor shared his excitement about this accomplishment.
"We are honored to receive full recognition status from the National Council for Private School Accreditation," said Taylor. "This acknowledgment reflects our dedication to providing our schools with a quality accreditation protocol to strengthen and improve their school communities. We are passionate about advancing Christian education by equipping our schools to produce Christ-honoring, educationally sound environments."
ACSI’s Senior Director of Accreditation Stephen Deck shared how this achievement will benefit ACSI and its schools.
"ACSI's status with NCPSA contributes to ongoing efforts to increase recognition of our accreditation protocol, both within the United States and around the globe,” he said. “Additionally, a formalized relationship with NCPSA will bolster advocacy efforts for Christian schools. We have already corresponded with NCPSA about specific areas of the country in order to provide focused support for our schools."
To learn more about the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), visit the website.