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We have several employees retiring in December 2024. We are so grateful for their servant hearts and service in Christian education over the years!

Celebrating Jan Snyder’s 30 Years of Service at �ͽ�Ů�� 

Jan Snyder started her journey with �ͽ�Ů�� on November 9, 1994, just two months after the organization moved its headquarters to Colorado Springs from Whittier, California. At the time, �ͽ�Ů�� was led by founder Dr. Paul Kienel, and his wife, Annie Kienel, who hired Jan to work part-time in the mailroom. Annie, a servant leader, was gracious and flexible, allowing Jan to work during the hours that her three young children were at school. 

In her early days at �ͽ�Ů��, Jan worked with a total of 20 employees at the organization’s new Colorado Springs office. She quickly embraced the organization’s mission and, by 1996, transitioned into the Order Department after being invited by her supervisor, Fran Burdick. Jan began working full time, answering phones and processing book orders on DOS-based computers. The textbooks offered by �ͽ�Ů�� at the time were mainly Bible and spelling. Jan was soon promoted to supervisor, a role she held for 18 years with the support of her manager, David Smitherman. 

Jan’s role grew as �ͽ�Ů�� expanded. The Order Department evolved into what became Customer Service and began supporting schools beyond just book orders. Jan’s team also took on standardized testing services, and they adapted to new technology, including the launch of the Purposeful Design webstore. 

Around eight years ago, the Customer Service and Membership departments merged, forming what became known as Member Care, and then later, the Care Team. Through these changes, Jan was a steady force, helping her team through each transition while maintaining �ͽ�Ů��’s commitment to serving schools. 

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, �ͽ�Ů��’s headquarters was home to more than 90 employees, and some of Jan’s fondest memories from the years in the office include weekly chapel services, daily devotions, and special events like Air Force fly-over picnics, fall chili cook-offs, and Christmas dinners. She also treasured the everyday moments spent in the lunchroom and around the coffee machine, where lasting friendships were made. 

For Jan, her 30 years at �ͽ�Ů�� have been more than just a career—they’ve been a calling. She looks back with gratitude at the many godly people she’s worked with and the opportunity to serve both the Lord and the schools �ͽ�Ů�� supports.

 

Erin Wilcox Retires After Distinguished Service at �ͽ�Ů�� 

After dedicating nearly a decade of service to �ͽ�Ů��, Erin Wilcox is embarking on a new chapter as she announces her retirement this December. Since joining the organization in June 2015, Wilcox has displayed a passion for Christian education, serving in the Accreditation Department and most recently as the Assistant Vice President of Digital Initiatives.   

"I have loved working for an organization that has as its mission to inspire children to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ," she reflects. "Whether it was through the process of accreditation or working on digital resources, that mission has continued to inspire me." 

Wilcox's journey with �ͽ�Ů�� actually began more than two decades ago, when she served as a member of both the regional and national accreditation commissions. During this time, she witnessed significant transformations in the organization's approach to accreditation. "Over 20 years ago, many things were done very differently by region," she notes. "When [�ͽ�Ů��] moved to a more centralized model, and processes became more consistent, I think our products and services improved considerably." 

Wilcox leaves behind a legacy of commitment to Christian education and organizational excellence. Her expertise and dedication helped shape the organization's current accreditation standards, which maintain high academic excellence while nurturing spiritual growth in students across the country. 

Celebrating Bobbie Kelly’s Retirement 

After over two decades of dedicated service, Bobby Kelly, Director of Accreditation Central Division, is retiring from �ͽ�Ů��. Bobbie joined �ͽ�Ů�� in July 2003, beginning her journey with Student Activities in the Ohio River Valley region. Over the years, she witnessed and contributed to many substantial changes, including the merging of the Ohio River Valley and Mid-American regions, eventually uniting with the South Central region to create the Central Division. 

While at �ͽ�Ů��, Bobbie played a vital role in maintaining and enhancing educational benchmarks. Her involvement in the recent revision of �ͽ�Ů��'s accreditation standards highlights her commitment to ensuring that schools maintain excellence. Her impact on �ͽ�Ů��'s community and her contributions to accreditation will be remembered and valued for years to come. 

Early Education Senior Coordinator Kim Brucker Announces Retirement 

After dedicating more than three decades to early education, including 6½ years of service at �ͽ�Ů�� (Association of Christian Schools International), Kim Brucker has announced her retirement from her leadership role Senior Coordinator, Central Division. 

During her tenure at �ͽ�Ů��, Brucker played a role in expanding early education support services. She helped develop new initiatives such as the Early Education Leader Connect and Leadership Networking Meetings. 

One aspect of Brucker's work that she “loved” was “writing articles for the Early Education Newsletter.” These were produced in order to provide valuable guidance on integrating biblical truths into every aspect of kingdom education.  

"It has been a privilege to serve Early Educators through encouragement, inspiration, and equipping them to serve God faithfully and obediently," Brucker reflected. "My favorite part of serving early educators has been to pray with them and encourage them with a Gospel-centered vision." 

While Brucker was at �ͽ�Ů��, the early education division experienced significant growth, expanding its professional development offerings to include both in-person and virtual events. These initiatives have strengthened support for member schools and their leaders. 

Brucker remains passionate about Kingdom Education and is prayerfully awaiting God's direction for the next chapter of her life. "I will miss working alongside so many Godly men and women as we have sharpened each other through our interactions," she shared.