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 Development
Chuck Gilliam
Vice President of Membership and Strategic Alliances,
Senior Director, Eastern Division
Brett Henry, J.D.
Chief Operating Officer
John Klingstedt
Chief of Staff
Chris Loncar
Vice President, Human Resources
Christi Lynn
Vice President, Communications & Engagement
Jerry Nelson
Chief Ministry Officer
Philip Scott, J.D.
Vice President for Legal Affairs
Dr. Cecil Swetland
Vice President for Development
P. George Tryfiates
Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs
Susan Verheul
Vice President, Executive Initiatives
News and Press Releases
ACSI Welcomes New Director for Public Policy
Colorado Springs, CO– The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Nance Klakring as the Director for Public Policy. In this vital role, Klakring will join the Public Policy and Legal Affairs team to advocate for public policies that advance and protect Christian schools and their communities at national and state levels.
ACSI’s Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs, George Tryfiates, shared his excitement for Klakring joining the team.
“I am delighted to welcome Claire to ACSI’s Public Policy team,” he said. “She has shown she has the enthusiasm, capacity, and vision to take Christian education issues to the next level in Washington. She’ll play an important role in maximizing ACSI’s impact and I, for one, can’t wait to get started!”
Key responsibilities of her role include advocating for policies that align with ACSI’s mission and values, building and maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders, policymakers, and government officials, and serving as a communication liaison for the Public Policy and Legal Affairs team.
In her new role, Klakring will monitor relevant legislation, regulations, and educational trends to provide strategic recommendations, and will collaborate with the National Director for State Advocacy on legislative priorities.
Klakring shared her anticipation as she steps into her new role.
"I am thrilled to join the dedicated team at ACSI to advocate to expand school choice and protect our freedom of religion in the halls of our nation’s Capitol,” she said. “Our country is at a crossroads, and it is vital that we speak truth to power now more than ever. Together, we can ensure a Christ-centered education is available to all for generations to come."
Klakring previously served as Vice President for Firehouse Strategies, Communications Director for Reps. Michelle Steel (R-CA) and Bruce Westerman (R-AR), and Government Communications Advisor in the first Trump White House.
Her extensive experience and strategic vision will further ACSI’s commitment to providing support and resources for Christian schools across the nation.
This hiring underscores ACSI’s dedication to shaping a policy environment that upholds the values of Christian education.
For more information about ACSI’s Public Policy and Legal Affairs initiatives or to learn how you can support Christian education, visit https://www.acsi.org/public-policy-legal-affairs.