Amherst Man Named Executive Director of Christian Educator Association

Finn Laursen of Amherst, Ohio has been named Executive Director of the Christian Educators Association International, effective September 1. To take the position, he has retired as Superintendent of the Firelands Local School District in Oberlin, Ohio, a position he has held for the last 10 years.

He succeeds Forrest Turpen, who has been CEAI Executive Director for 20 years. Turpen becomes CEAI's Chief Operations Officer and will continue to administer from the organization's Pasadena, Calif. headquarters. Laursen is opening a CEAI office in Amherst, a suburb of Cleveland.

"I began the process of recommending that a successor be chosen over two years ago," said Turpen. "The Board of Directors and I concluded than Finn was the man to bring a new vision and energy to CEAI."

The announcement was made July 26 at a Prayer Breakfast during the 34th Convention of the Christian Educators Association International, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Laursen was commissioned to the position by Dr. Jack Hayford, author, pastor emeritus of the Church on the Way and Chancellor of King's College and Seminary.

Laursen's career includes having served as a Principal, Assistant Principal, counselor, and 7th grade English teacher. He has participated in numerous professional activities and serves as an officer of many, including Lorain County, Ohio commissions and the Public Safety Task Force. He is a graduate of Capital University with a BA in English Secondary Education. His M.A. is from Ohio State University in Education. He has post graduate certifications in education from Bowling Green State University, Ashland University, and Kent State University.

Christian Educators Association International is a growing professional association headquartered in Pasadena, Calif. Non-denominational CEAI was founded fifty years ago by the late Ben Weiss, and Dr. Clyde Narramore, "to encourage, equip and empower Christians serving in public and private education."

For information about CEAI call toll free at (888) 798-1124 or visit the website at CEAI.org. Contact Finn Laursen by emailing Finn@CEAI.org.

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