91ºÚÁÏÍø

Peter Greer is the president and CEO of HOPE International, a global Christ-centered nonprofit working to alleviate poverty through entrepreneurship and discipleship in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. He is a bestselling coauthor of over 15 books, including Mission Drift, Rooting for Rivals, Lead with Prayer, and How Leaders Lose Their Way. Before joining HOPE, Peter worked internationally in microfinance in Cambodia, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda and holds a graduate degree from Harvard Kennedy School.  While his sports loyalties remain in New England, Peter and his family live in Lancaster, PA.

Pete Marra is recognized as a highly strategic executive who now serves as Chief Operating Officer at The Colson Center. He has worked as a consultant for Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies, helping shape them into thriving, cutting edge organizations that are well prepared for the world’s uncertainties. He has founded several companies and works extensively in the startup and incubation space. Pete offers guidance and inspiration in the areas of technological innovation, leadership development, and organizational risk assessment and mitigation. He has a global education background focused on training and developing teachers in over 15 countries and has served as a head of school.

Kurt has been a startup-minded entrepreneur since childhood, driven to create what the world lacks. With 35 years in vocational ministry, his journey in Christian education began by supporting his wife in homeschooling their five children. A trained attorney, Kurt went on to serve as founding Head of Valor Christian High School, leading 1,200 students over 15 years while learning from exceptional Christian schools worldwide. Today, he advances Jesus-centered education globally through NextEd, the Courage Schools network, and the Jesus Schools campaign, focusing on excellence, access, and impact.

Shanda Adams is the Business Development Lead for Children’s Tuition Fund (CTF) at ACSI, where she supports the implementation and administration of the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship program. She provides strategic guidance to schools, donors, and partners while ensuring compliance and expanding access to Christian education nationwide. Shanda brings more than 30 years of experience across Christian school leadership, higher education, and nonprofit consulting, including service as superintendent of a multi-campus Christian school district. Her leadership experience includes enrollment growth, financial aid strategy, fundraising, and operational transformation. She holds multiple degrees in English, education, and leadership and is currently completing her EdD in Organizational Leadership, expected in Spring 2026.

Carol Aversa serves as the Eastern Division Director and Accreditation Director for the 91ºÚÁÏÍø (ACSI). She brings over eight years of experience at ACSI, along with prior service as a Head of School and in other leadership roles in education. Carol is known for advancing educational excellence through best practices in strategic leadership, school culture, and accreditation. Her work focuses on helping schools build strong foundations that support long-term growth and effectiveness. She currently supports and equips school leaders across the Eastern Division in their pursuit of thriving school communities.

Dr. Nita Carr has served as President of Cornerstone Schools of Alabama for 18 years, leading the school through significant growth and national recognition. Her background as a teacher, administrator, professor, and nonprofit leader has shaped a model of excellence focused on academics, character development, and student formation. Under her leadership, Cornerstone became the largest private school in the Birmingham metro area and gained international recognition for serving inner-city students. The school achieved dual accreditation with Cognia and ACSI, became Birmingham’s first International Baccalaureate Primary School, and was named a National School of Character. During her tenure, enrollment increased by more than 300%, supported by strong faculty, engaged families, and a visionary board.

Stephen Carter is the founder of Seed Tree Group, where he partners with K–12 Christian schools nationwide to design and implement entrepreneurship programs rooted in redemptive entrepreneurship. His mission is to develop a Christ-centered entrepreneurial mindset in all learners so they are transformed to create, lead, and serve with purpose. Through real-world, hands-on experiences, students gain practical skills, resilience, and a clear path toward meaningful impact. His book, Teaching the Entrepreneurial Mindset, highlights how intentional formation and authentic application lead to student flourishing.

Tim Connor is an Executive Consultant for Mission Advancement with lifelong experience in education, helping schools of all sizes strengthen their advancement strategies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, and CFRE credentials. Tim lives in Frisco, Texas, with his wife, Julie, and their two children.

Chad Dirkse is in his third year as Head of School at Annapolis Area Christian School in Severn, Maryland. Previously, he served 14 years as President of Chattanooga Christian School and five years as Superintendent of Westminster Christian School in Illinois. With more than 30 years in education, Chad has held roles including teacher, principal, athletic director, and coach. He is a Senior Fellow with the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education, supporting schools through governance, operations, and strategic planning. Chad holds a bachelor’s degree from Covenant College, an MBA from LeTourneau University, and lives in Maryland with his wife, Heather, and their three children.

Chris Dudley served in leadership positions at High Point University from 1999-2023. As Senior Vice President for Administration and Chief of Staff, he led operational areas, including security, transportation, food services, maintenance, janitorial, landscaping, construction, events, and community relations, among others. As Senior Vice President for Development, he led a team that raised $450 million in eight years.

Simon Jeynes is the CSM Consultant and Strategy Director, committed to strengthening Christian schools and ensuring students experience joyful, transformative learning. Since beginning his teaching career in 1977, he has taught in the U.S. and Canada and consulted with more than 100 Christian schools worldwide in areas such as strategic planning, financial management, enrollment recovery, and governance. Simon co-founded CSM in 2017 and is the lead writer for Entheos. He has authored multiple books, teaches courses for Dordt University and Gordon College, and frequently speaks at national education conferences.

John Klingstedt currently serves as ACSI’s Chief of Staff. John has over 20 years in Christian education leadership and most recently served as the COO at Prestonwood Christian Academy, during which time he facilitated the expansion of educational ministry to over 2,000 students and annual tuition and project revenues of nearly $60 million. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at a top ten cable television company where he monitored and maintained complete financial reporting with revenues of over $500 million, and he maintained bank compliance on a $1 billion credit facility with 42 participating banking entities. John holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Oklahoma State University and is ordained as a minister at Prestonwood Baptist Church.

Chris Loncar is the VP of Human Resources at the 91ºÚÁÏÍø. He spent the first 10 years of his calling as a pastor before transitioning to the human resources field, a blend that has given him a versatile and thoughtful approach to leading the HR function of an organization. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management and is a Senior Certified Professional through the Society of Human Resources Management. His passion is fostering environments and creating opportunities for employees to thrive in what they are gifted to do by coming alongside to advise, train, encourage, and inspire. He resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his beautiful wife and three young children.

Pete Marra is recognized as a highly strategic executive who now serves as Chief Operating Officer at The Colson Center. He has worked as a consultant for Fortune 500 and Global 1000 companies, helping shape them into thriving, cutting edge organizations that are well prepared for the world’s uncertainties. He has founded several companies and works extensively in the startup and incubation space. Pete offers guidance and inspiration in the areas of technological innovation, leadership development, and organizational risk assessment and mitigation. He has a global education background focused on training and developing teachers in over 15 countries and has served as a head of school.

Philip Puleo is a seasoned Christian school leader who has served as a teacher, administrator, Head of School, and Superintendent. During 19 years at Harrisburg Christian School, he led the acquisition of West Shore Christian Academy and helped form the Christian School Association of Greater Harrisburg. He now serves as an educational consultant, supporting Christian schools in financial management, advancement, board development, and strategic planning. Phil also contributes to the broader Christian education community through advocacy, accreditation leadership, and service on the Lancaster Bible College Board of Trustees. He holds degrees from Messiah College and Frostburg State University and is passionate about passing faith and education on to future generations.

Ken Schuetz is the CEO and Founder of Aligned Influence Consulting which is headquartered in Longmont, Colorado. Ken is also adjunct faculty at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder where he teaches business philosophy and corporate governance. Ken is a life-long Christian, serving as teacher and Elder at each church he has attended. Ken’s latest book, Aligned Influence: Beyond Governance, was released in March 2021 and reflects the theoretical foundation of the Aligned Influence model.

Philip Scott brings a unique background in education, theology, and law, with experience teaching civics in Christian schools and lecturing on ethics and education law. He holds degrees in Education and Law from Liberty University and has studied theology and law at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Admitted to practice law in Colorado and before the U.S. Supreme Court, he has also served Christian ministries as legal counsel and board member. Philip has been with ACSI since 2011 and currently serves as Vice President for Legal Affairs, overseeing legal, HR, and risk management support for member schools. He is the author of more than forty articles on legal and HR issues affecting religious schools and lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, Heather, and their three children.

Dr. S. L. Sherrill founded North Raleigh Christian Academy in 1996 and served as Superintendent for 22 years, later being honored as Superintendent Emeritus. Under his leadership, NRCA grew to nearly 1,500 students, and today serves almost 1,600 under new leadership. Dr. Sherrill has devoted more than 50 years to Christian education, serving as pastor, teacher, principal, head of school, and consultant across the country. He currently serves as an ACSI Field Director for Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina and continues to support schools through interim leadership, accreditation, and strategic consulting. Dr. Sherrill is a passionate advocate for Kingdom education and holds earned doctorates in Theology and Christian Education.

Dr. Cy Smith is Superintendent of Mansfield Christian School and a nationally recognized leader in Christian education. He has served in key roles with ACSI and other organizations, helping schools strengthen biblical worldview and leadership. As host of the Clearly Christian Podcast, he addresses cultural drift and advocates for the vital role of Christian education. Dr. Smith is a Colson Fellow and holds degrees in Educational Leadership from the University of Toledo and Ashland University. He has served at Mansfield Christian School for 34 years and, with his wife Joy, is the parent of two MCS and Cedarville University graduates.

Daniel Steinfield has served as Head of School at Delaware County Christian School since July 2019. During his tenure, he has led major strategic initiatives across academics, athletics, fine arts, technology, and campus development. Enrollment has grown from 600 students (PK4–12) in 2019 to 950 students (PK2–12) in 2025. He has overseen the successful completion of an $18M endowment campaign and $8M in capital projects and is currently leading the $30M+ NEXT Generation Campaign. Dan has been married to his wife, Kim, for 29 years and has two sons, Andrew and Kyle.

Janet Stump is an Executive Consultant with The Focus Group, bringing 40 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership. She has served Christian and charter schools, international associations, foundations, and global missions, most recently as Executive Director of the ACSI Education Foundation and Executive Director of Global Resources with TEAM. She holds an MA in Literature from the University of Alaska Anchorage and has been a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2001. Janet and her husband, Don, live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They enjoy the outdoors and spending time with their six grandchildren.

Nathan began his federal law enforcement career in 2015 with the U.S. Department of Justice. He has served in specialized roles on joint task forces with local, state, and federal agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Team, Detroit Police Gang and Violent Crime Unit, and Michigan State Police narcotics divisions. He has also worked cases with the FBI Counter Terrorism Unit and Violent Crime Task Force, leading and supporting complex investigations. Nathan has executed more than 200 high-risk search warrants as an entry team leader and breacher. He has responded to numerous critical incidents, including mass-casualty threats and active violent events.