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
Director of North America
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
Peter Lee
Director of East Asia
Chris Loncar
Vice President, Human Resources
Christi Lynn
Vice President, Communications & Engagement
Dr. Sosthene Maletoungou
Director of Africa
Jerry Nelson
Chief Ministry Officer
Stuart Salazar
Director of Latin America
Philip Scott, J.D.
Vice President for Legal Affairs
Dr. Agus Sustano
Director of Asia Pacific
Dr. Cecil Swetland
Vice President for Development
Dr. Mark T
Director of South Asia
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 State Policy Engagement
Colorado Springs, CO– The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Autumn Faulkner as the Director for State Policy Engagement. In this vital role, Faulkner will join the Public Policy and Legal Affairs team to lead ACSI’s efforts to expand Christian education, advance school choice, and protect religious liberties across the United States by mobilizing state advocacy groups to drive meaningful policy change.
ACSI’s Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs, George Tryfiates, shared his excitement for Faulkner joining the team.
“We’re thrilled to have the privilege of welcoming yet another top-quality person like Autumn Faulkner to our public policy team. She brings a wealth of knowledge and strong experience to ACSI’s vision for advancing Christian education. Education policy takes place primarily in the states, so Autumn’s role is key, and, yes, she is the ideal person to carry it forward! ACSI member schools will see practical benefits as ACSI’s influence expands in the states on their behalf.”
Key responsibilities of her role include working closely with school leaders in each state to advocate for key legislation and policies impacting Christian education. Faulkner will also be representing ACSI in state legislative hearings, public interest coalition meetings and working groups, educating lawmakers, the public, and other stakeholders.
Faulkner will act as a leading policy expert and advocate for ACSI’s four key policy areas—religious freedom, school choice, regulation and accountability, and the common good of Christian education—by developing and strengthening state advocacy networks.
Faulkner shared her anticipation.
"I am beyond excited to join this amazing team at ACSI and most importantly to engage our school leaders at the state level on the policies that impact their schools and students every day! I am delighted to see what the future holds as we advance school choice and religious liberty in our state capitals and maximize the impact of our ACSI schools through Christ-centered education.”
Faulkner previously spent over two years as the Regional Field Coordinator for the Leadership Institute and also served as a middle and high school science teacher at Providence Christian Academy.
Her experience in both leadership and education will strengthen ACSI’s commitment to equipping Christian schools with essential support and resources nationwide.
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.