Robert M. Elliott
President, Dayton Christian School System
A Springfield, OH, native, Bob Elliott, age 51, has been married to Melissa, his lovely bride, for 28 years. They have three sons, Michael (23), who is married to Jessica, Joel (19), and Luke (10), and one grandson (1 1/2) with a granddaughter on the way. He attends Fellowship Christian Church where he held a leadership role in the church’s early years of establishment.
He comes from a very close-knit family and credits their strong influence for leading him to Christ and continuing to be his spiritual role models. His brothers all serve in the ministry and have had significant impact on the Kingdom of God and on Bob. Although he grew up in a Christian home and was a “good kid,” it was not until he was 15 that he realized that before God, “good kid” was not enough - he was a sinner to the core and needed to repent. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and was baptized in May 1973.
In 1981, Bob graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduation, he joined his father to successfully build and grow Elliott Interiors, a high-end furniture and design store. In November 1989, father and son acted on a prime opportunity to sell the business. Bob then focused his sales and business experience at Elliott Insurance Agency, the first of his father’s endeavors that opened in 1954. Bob became licensed in Property/Casualty/Life and Health insurance and given the role of Vice President. He worked to ultimately achieve Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. His knowledge and experience allowed him to teach continuing education classes throughout the region for Ohio Department of Insurance requirements.
While he was focused on his insurance agency responsibilities, God was stirring a passion in Bob’s heart regarding Christian education. By the fall of 1996, Bob was convinced that a need existed to “expand the availability of Christian education in Springfield and Clark County.” The challenges seemed overwhelming, but he could not push aside the drive to pursue the monumental task. He worked fervently to build a core leadership team. On February 26, 1997, the group named Robert M. Elliott as President, Board of Trustees, of Emmanuel Christian Academy, Inc (ECA). The school opened six months later as a kindergarten through eighth grade school in a rented facility. With a full complement of teachers and staff, 110 students were enrolled. The vision to “expand the availability” was underway. During Bob’s six years as President, the school grew quickly; grades nine through twelve were added. Bob helped guide the school through a $9,000,000 new building construction project. His influence on the design elements and furnishings of the building drew national advertising recognition from two major companies. In 2003, Bob forfeited his opportunities and Vice Presidency role with the insurance agency to work full time in ministry at Emmanuel. Bob served first as Director of Advancement before his promotion to Executive Director of ECA.
Since July of 2009, Bob has been the President of the Legacy Ministries Foundation and led one of the most successful Annual Fund campaigns in the school system’s history, which nearly doubled the level of giving from prior years. During this time, he initiated several new giving programs including a grant program that will strategically advance DCSS into the future. His influence this year has been obvious, directly impacting the budget with the implementation of a new health plan that has stabilized costs and saved significant administrative expense. Bob has been recognized as an advocate for change in key areas of the organization. He quickly earned respect from the senior leadership team for his strong voice during a critical time in the ministry’s history. His years of successful business experience and gifts have uniquely positioned him to assume the key leadership role of DCSS. Bob desires to maintain what has made DCSS successful regionally and nationally, while also pursuing new levels of excellence. His vision is for DCSS to become a benchmark Christian school, educating the students to further the kingdom of God, instilling a heart for outreach and service, and equipping them with lifelong godly character.
Bob has served on numerous community boards including President, Independent Insurance Agents of America, President, Emmanuel Christian Academy and the Marriage Resource Center.
Bob has many interests and pursuits including flying single engine aircraft, scuba diving, fresh and saltwater fishing, drafting and design work, landscape design and any coaching involving his sons. His enthusiasm for Ohio State athletics, especially football is notable.
His favorite verse is Hebrews 12:2, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”