COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – The Association of Christian Schools International Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Dr. Larry Taylor as the ministry’s new President and CEO. Board members made the unanimous decision after a global search that began late last year, led by CarterBaldwin, a leading international retained executive search firm.

Dr. Taylor has served for 19 years as the Head of School at Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) in Plano, Texas. The Prestonwood Christian Academy School System is comprised of two pre-school through high school campuses, a virtual academy, a school for students with special learning needs, an inner-city academy (in one of the most neglected high-poverty areas of South Dallas), and a school serving part-time students that personalizes their education by combining traditional on-campus classes, homeschool, or online options.

For more than 30 years Dr. Taylor has been involved in advancing Kingdom education beyond the walls of PCA—in Cuba, Nigeria, Uganda, and through the Kingdom School Institute in Dallas, Texas, a summer training program for Christian school leaders. Over the past 17 years the Institute has trained school leaders from around the globe, such as Nigeria, Uganda, Cuba, Guatemala, India, Australia, Philippines, South Korea, and several other regions of the world.

Dr. Taylor has traveled extensively with Michael Epp, Vice President ACSI Global and participated in training conferences in Nigeria, Uganda, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific Roundtable. He has also partnered with ACSI Latin America, Stuart Salazar, and ACSI Caribbean, Lester Flaquer to advance the strategic plan for Cuba.

He will begin assuming leadership and strategic oversight of ACSI on July 1, 2019. And, by January 2020 he will take on all executive level leadership responsibilities for ACSI.

“Larry Taylor is the right person to lead this organization into the future,” said incoming ACSI Board Chair Robert “Bo” Gutzwiller. “His leadership at Prestonwood, coupled with his heart for advancing Christian Education, make him the ideal choice for this critical role.”

“My heart is full these days as I anticipate joining the ACSI team and giving myself fully to the cause of strengthening Christian schools and equipping Christian educators around the world.” Dr. Taylor said, “As I look back on my life experiences, I can see how God has been leading, stirring and preparing me for this role.”

Dr. Taylor previously served as President of the Texas Private Schools Association (TPSA) Board of Directors. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and the ACSI Education Foundation.

Dr. Taylor served for 12 years at The First Academy in Orlando, Florida as a high school principal and assistant headmaster. He also has held teaching positions within the public-school system. Taylor co-launched a national training institute for schools, “Becoming a Kingdom School Institute” and founded the Student Leadership Institute (SLI) program. He developed a training program for parents called, “Becoming a Kingdom Family.” Taylor published the book titled Running With The Horses, which helps parents raise children to be servant-leaders for Christ and helps to build a family plan

Dr. Taylor received his Ph.D. in Philosophy in Leadership Studies from Dallas Baptist University (2009), his master’s degree from Nova University (1993) and his bachelor’s degree from University of Central Florida (1986). Taylor has been married to Delinda Rose Taylor for 33 years and has four sons: Bryce, who graduated from Yale University and Notre Dame Graduate School; Luke, a graduate of Princeton University, and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business; Zeke, a graduate of Florida State University; and Chas, a graduate of Rice University and currently in law school at the University of Chicago.

“I’ve known this remarkable man for many years,” said Dr. Jay Ferguson, ACSI Search Committee Chairman. “I’m certain that Larry will both wisely steward the ministry of ACSI and boldly lead us into new areas of kingdom impact.”

Acting CEO, Dr. Stephen Reel, will transition back into Christian school leadership as Head of School for Mitchell Road Christian Academy in Greenville, South Carolina beginning in July. He will also serve as an associate with Graybeal and Associates, LLC.

“I can’t thank Stephen enough for his dedication and steady hand as acting president and CEO during the past year” said Dr. Gutzwiller. “His passion for seeing children’s lives changed by Christian education is evident and his servant leadership is greatly appreciated. ACSI is grateful for his stewardship during this time of transition. We wish him all the best as he takes the helm of leadership at Mitchell Road Christian Academy, an ACSI member school. Although he is taking on new responsibilities, he will always be a member of the ACSI family.”