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 Welcomes Kati Melton as its New Senior Director for the Western Division
Melton brings more than 20 years of educational experience leading faculty and staff, her most recent position being the Head of School at Cherry Hills Christian School in Colorado.She will continue serving as Head of School at Cherry Hills Christian School until the end of the 2024-25 school year, transitioning fully into her role at ACSI by the summer of 2025.
ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor shared his excitement about Melton’s new position.
“We are glad to welcome Kati to the ACSI team,” he said. “Her wealth of knowledge in the Christian school leadership context will make her an invaluable resource to our schools across the Western Division. We have spent time selecting the right, God-appointed candidate for this important role, as we are passionate about ensuring our schools are equipped and supported.”
Dr. David Balik, ACSI Vice President, USA, shared his gratitude for God’s provision and steadfast faithfulness.
“I am grateful that God continues to show Himself faithful in providing for our every need at ACSI, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Hiring the right people is so important, and Kati Melton is truly an answer to prayer! She is going to do an outstanding job serving our schools and school leaders in the Western Division going forward.”
Melton looks forward to resourcing and facilitating relationships with Christian schools in the Western Division.
“I am excited that God continues to make His calling clear in my life, and I can’t wait to serve ACSI for His Kingdom and glory. I look forward to advancing Christ-centered education, building meaningful relationships, and supporting schools in their mission to impact lives for Christ. Together, we will work to advance God’s Kingdom in powerful and lasting ways.”
Throughout her career, she has served as a head of school, principal, and teacher, always putting Christ at the center of her work.
During her time at Cherry Hills Christian School, Melton led the ACSI Accreditation process and the development of a school-wide continuous improvement plan. She successfully set and oversaw the school’s long-range strategy that focused on bringing academic excellence, developing a thriving spiritual formation plan, and creating financial stability and growth in a flourishing school community.
Melton has a Master of Arts in Education Leadership from University of Northern Colorado and is pursuing a Doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University. Additionally, she is currently in executive management training through the Van Lunen Fellows Program at Calvin University.
To learn more about ACSI’s Western Division, visit the website.