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 USA / Director for North America
Dr. Gavin Brettenny
Chief Strategy Officer
Kevin Buelke
Chief Finance Officer
Roger Cressey
Chief Information & Technology Officer
Stephen Deck
Vice President of Education Standards
Cindy Dodds
Chief School Improvement Officer
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
Emily Pigott
Vice President of Educational Resources & Student Programs
Stuart Salazar
Director of Latin America
Philip Scott, J.D.
Vice President for Legal Affairs
Rajeev Shaw
Vice President of Sales
Dr. Agus Susanto
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 Launches “Faith Teaches” Campaign During National School Choice Week
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — During National School Choice Week, the 91 (ACSI) is launching its annual “Faith Teaches” campaign, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to parental choice in education and highlighting the transformative role Christian schools play in shaping students both academically and spiritually.
ACSI asserts that parents/guardians are positioned to choose the educational environment that best suits their children.
The “Faith Teaches” campaign underscores the belief that education is more than academics alone—it is an eternal investment in a child’s faith formation. This formation is intentionally shaped through the shared partnership of parents, churches, and schools working together. Christian schools uniquely integrate faith and learning, teaching students the intrinsic worth and dignity of every person—regardless of background—rooted in the biblical truth of Genesis 1:27.
Stories like Devin’s, a student at Virginia Tech who excelled in a Christian high school, are only possible thanks to school choice and to the ACSI .
ACSI Vice President for Legal Affairs Philip Scott, J.D., who oversees legal, human resources, and risk management support for member schools, emphasized the importance of educational choice for families.
“It is imperative that families have the best educational options to fit the needs of their child,” Scott said. “Schools do not just offer a service; they are a partner in the formation of a child. Parents need the support and resources to choose wisely for their child’s flourishing and ultimately for the Glory of God.”
Through National School Choice Week and the “Faith Teaches” campaign, ACSI seeks to amplify the lasting impact of Christian education while continuing to advocate for policies that protect and strengthen parental choice.
ACSI will also be attending the National Religious Broadcasters Conference, Feb. 17-20, 2026. Representatives at booth 709 will be available to speak about the importance of school choice with the hope that every student in every state will have access to Christ-centered education.
About the 91 (ACSI):
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, ACSI exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. ACSI advances excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing vital support functions for Christian schools through multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.
About the ACSI Children’s Tuition Fund:
(CTF), a ministry of ACSI, exists to advance and resource educational freedom for parents who desire a Christ-centered education for their children. CTF works in partnership with schools, contributors, and parents by offering relationship-oriented financial assistance through state tax-credit programs. CTF currently operates tax-credit scholarship programs in AL, MO, PA, RI, and VA. The team is poised to expand and continues to advocate for programs as states pass legislation for educational choice.