Senior Leadership

91±¬ÁϳÉÈËÆ¬ / 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

Dr. David Balik

Vice President USA / Director for North America

 

Gavin Brettenny

Dr. Gavin Brettenny

Chief Strategy Officer

 

Kevin Buelke

Kevin Buelke

Chief Finance Officer

 

Juan Cabrera

Juan Cabrera

Vice President of Information Technology

Roger Cressey

Roger Cressey

Chief Information & Technology Officer

Stephen Deck

Stephen Deck

Vice President of Education Standards

Laci Demeter

Laci Demeter

Director of Europe


Cindy Dodds

Cindy Dodds

Chief School Improvement Officer


Michael Epp

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

John Klingstedt

Chief of Staff


Peter Lee

Peter Lee

Director of East Asia

Chris Loncar

Chris Loncar

Vice President, Human Resources

Christi Lynn

Christi Lynn

Vice President, Communications & Engagement

Sosthene Maletoungou

Dr. Sosthene Maletoungou

Director of Africa

Jerry Nelson

Jerry Nelson

Chief Ministry Officer

Emily Pigott

Emily Pigott

Vice President of Educational Resources & Student Programs

Stuart Salazar

Stuart Salazar

Director of Latin America

Philip Scott

Philip Scott, J.D.

Vice President for Legal Affairs

Rajeev Shaw

Rajeev Shaw

 Vice President of Sales

Agus Susanto

Dr. Agus Susanto

Director of Asia Pacific

Cecil Swetland

Dr. Cecil Swetland

Vice President for Development

Mark T.

Dr. Mark T

Director of South Asia


P. George Tryfiates

Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs

Susan Verheul

Susan Verheul

Vice President, Executive Initiatives

News and Press Releases

ACSI Announces New Senior Director, International Division

Aug 4, 2025, 07:36 by Brittany Steward

The 91±¬ÁϳÉÈËÆ¬ (ACSI) is pleased to announce Dr. Angela Patterson as the Senior Director for the International Division.  

 

In this role, Patterson will join the international team to provide overall direction to the ACSI International School Division, developing relationships with international school heads, planning international professional development events, and overseeing staff. She will also serve as a member of the ACSI Global Senior Staff as a link between ACSI Headquarters and the Divisions. 

 

Tim Shuman, ACSI’s current Senior Director of the International Division, will be retiring in December and has full confidence in Patterson’s leadership as she steps into this role. 

 

“I’m excited that Dr. Patterson is joining ACSI Global to be the next Senior Director of the International School Division,” Shuman said. “Her two decades of experience in key leadership positions in a large international school system will be an incredible asset to the division in the years ahead.”  
 
ACSI Chief Strategy Officer Dr. Gavin Brettenny also expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment. 

 

“Dr. Patterson is a valuable asset to our international school community,” said Brettenny. “She brings up-to-date experience and insight on topical issues facing international schools, along with a strong track record of building collaborative solutions to meet their evolving needs.” 

 

Patterson, who has recently served as an Educational Consultant and Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at LifePlus Worldwide Learning, will support leaders through relationships, acting as a trusted partner, growth consultant, and senior representative of ACSI membership value. 

 

She brings more than 24 years of international school leadership experience, including serving as Interim Head of School, Director of School Improvement, and Director of Curriculum and Professional Development. 

 

Patterson expressed her excitement and commitment to her new position.   

 

“I feel incredibly blessed to join ACSI and its exceptional international team. I’m deeply grateful to the leadership for their foresight in allowing me to train alongside the incomparable Tim Shuman—his mentorship through the end of the year will be invaluable as I transition into the role. I’m eager to serve international schools and collaborate with our global division directors as we work together to make Christ known among the nations!” 

 

ACSI is confident that Dr. Patterson’s leadership will strengthen the International School Division and further its global mission to advance Christ-centered education.