Senior Leadership

Association of Christian Schools International / ACSI / About ACSI / Senior Leadership

Larry TaylorI 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

 

David Balik Vice President USA/Senior Director, Eastern Division

Dr. David Balik

Director of North America

 

Gavin Brettenny

Dr. Gavin Brettenny

Chief Strategy Officer

 

Buelke

Kevin Buelke

Chief Finance Officer

 

Juan Cabrera

Juan Cabrera

Chief Information Officer


 

Laci Demeter

Director of Europe


 

Cindee Dodds

Cindy Dodds

Chief of Flourishing Initiatives

 

Senior Vice President of Global

Michael Epp

Senior Vice President of Global Development

 

Chuck Gilliam

Chuck Gilliam

Vice President of Membership and Strategic Alliances,
Senior Director, Eastern Division

Brett Henry

Brett Henry, J.D.

Chief Operating Officer


John Klingstedt - COO

John Klingstedt

Chief of Staff


Peter Lee

Director of East Asia

 

Chris-Loncar

Chris Loncar

Vice President, Human Resources

 

Christi Lynn Image

Christi Lynn

Vice President, Communications & Engagement

Dr. Sosthene Maletoungou

Director of Africa

 

Jerry Nelson

Jerry Nelson

Chief Ministry Officer

 

Stuart Salazar

Director of Latin America

 

Philip-Scott

Philip Scott, J.D.

Vice President for Legal Affairs

 

Dr. Agus Sustano

Director of Asia Pacific

 

Cecil Swetland

Dr. Cecil Swetland

Vice President for Development

Dr. Mark T

Director of South Asia

George Tryfiates

P. George Tryfiates

Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs

Susan Verheul - COO

Susan Verheul

Vice President, Executive Initiatives

News and Press Releases

Thousands of Christian Educators and Students Across the Globe Join Together for ACSI’s Annual Day of Prayer

Mar 4, 2025, 07:16 by Brittany Steward

Thousands of Christian educators and students from around the world will join in celebrating the eighth annual ACSI Day of Prayer today.  

  

The ACSI Day of Prayer is a highly anticipated event dedicated to strengthening Christ-centered education through prayer. ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor eagerly anticipates the coming together of schools worldwide in unified prayer. 


"Now more than ever, there is an increased global desire for Christ-centered education, which is an encouraging trend to witness,” he said. “This not only reflects God’s work this year, but it also encourages us to abide in Him daily, living with hearts full of gratitude for His provision and unwavering love." 

  

The theme for this year’s Day of Prayer is “Abide,” emphasizing the importance of being fully dependent on the Lord. According to the website, in John 15:4-5, Jesus says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." This year's Day of Prayer theme will serve as a reminder that Christians must stay in close step with God. 

  

Mike Epp, ACSI Senior Vice President of Global Development, believes this event marks a beautiful, renewed commitment to worshipping God and seeking Him wholeheartedly.  

  

“ACSI’s Global Day of Prayer is a profound demonstration of how we are unified, through Jesus Christ, to the passionate mission of teaching and discipling children to fully know Him,” he said. “We chose the theme ‘Abide’ because of God’s constant faithfulness and to salute the perseverance and sacrifice of thousands of educators around the world who deliver the message of His love through their work.” 


Schools can participate by submitting their prayer requests through the electronic form, which allows requests to be visible publicly on the ACSI website. They can also download the prayer guide, containing prayer station ideas and thematic Bible verses, to host an in-house Day of Prayer with their school communities.  


During the 2024 Day of Prayer, ACSI received more than 650 prayer requests from 60+ countries, including Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and India. This year, schools have already joined in by submitting their prayer requests, demonstrating a continued global commitment to seeking God together. 

  

Schools creatively structure their in-house Day of Prayer gatherings. In 2024, educators shared their celebration ideas on social media, including school-wide Chapels, Day of Prayer tent stations, art and music projects, and more.  

  

Taylor said the theme of “Abide” has perhaps never been more timely. 

  

"God’s presence has been evident throughout the past year at ACSI as we look at the many Christian educators that are being strengthened across the globe,” he said. “This year’s Day of Prayer will be a catalyst to unite educators in different cultural contexts through the power of prayer. It will be a time to abide in Him, seeking His guidance and thanking Him for His unwavering love that transforms schools and their communities." 

  

Christian Academy of Louisville School System participated in the 2024 Day of Prayer. Head of School Darin Long shared how they celebrated: “We engaged our students through a student-created prayer wall banner and lunchtime prayer sessions. A school-wide prayer schedule, led by students and teachers, ensured consistent prayer coverage during each class period. We open each day in prayer, but I am noticing informal student-led prayer happening in the halls, locker rooms, and classrooms. Building a prayer culture produces a beautiful atmosphere!” 


  

To learn more about Day of Prayer, visit the website or contact ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or emailing careteam@acsi.org.