LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
LEADING GEORGIA SPEECH & DEBATE
Founded in the 1980s and restructured in 2010, the Georgia Forensic Coaches Association (GFCA) serves as the governing body for high school speech and debate in Georgia. The organization is dedicated to promoting and developing students' communication, critical thinking, and research skills, essential tools for lifelong success in a democratic society.
The GFCA is led by a five-member Executive Committee, composed of experienced coaches from across the state, each serving two-year terms. These leaders oversee governance, policy, and program development, ensuring that speech and debate opportunities remain accessible, competitive, and impactful for all participating schools.
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF GEORGIA
The GFCA brings coaches together twice a year to strengthen and shape the future of speech and debate in Georgia.
Fall Professional Meeting: A chance for coaches to collaborate, share strategies, and gain insights before the season begins.
DOWNLOAD 2024 FALL MEETING MINUTES HERE
Spring Business Meeting: A forum to review State Championships, discuss bylaws, and set the course for the next season.
📜 Stay Informed: The latest version of the GFCA Constitution & Bylaws was updated on November 21, 2024. Access it below.
MEET THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Maggie Berthiaume, Chair of the Committee
Director of Debate at Woodward Academy
The Chair of the Committee will be the chief executive officer of the Association, will preside at all meetings of the members and of the Executive Committee and will have general supervision of the Association. The Chair will serve the Association’s chief spokesperson, promoting it through special events, competitions, face-to-face conversations, and in the media. The Chair will drive discussion about the vision, purpose, and goals of speech & debate, encourage involvement, and teach others to take on leadership responsibilities.
Maggie has served on the Executive Committee for seven years including time as Director of Operations and Secretary.
Term: July 2024 to July 2026
Richard Bracknell, Director of Finance
Head Debate Coach at Carrollton High School
The Director of Finance will perform duties as are incident to their office (i.e. collect dues and disburse funds). The Director of Finance will maintain official financial records. The Director of Finance will be responsible for securing any additional funds from third party organizations. The Director of Finance is responsible for releasing an annual report at the meeting at the beginning of every school year.
Richard has served on the Executive Committee for twenty eight years including time as President, Vice President and Treasurer.
Term: July 2023 to July 2025
Jeffrey Miller, Director of Operations
Director of Speech & Debate at Marist School
The Director of Operations will be responsible for organizing, coordinating, and managing tournaments organized by the Association. The Director of Operations will create roles in the tournament to include all members of the Executive Committee and to increase volunteer participation from the Association membership.
Jeffrey has served on the Executive Committee for nine years including time as Chair of the Committee, President, Director of Programs, Secretary and Treasurer.
Term: July 2024 to July 2025
Michael Robinson, Director of Programs
Debate Coach at North Atlanta High School
The Director of Programs will strategize and coordinate programs to determine and fulfill needs for the advancement of the Association’s purpose. Programs may include but are not limited to judge training and recruitment, curriculum, and workshops.
Michael is serving his first year on the Executive Committee.
Term: July 2024 to July 2026
Clay Stewart, Director of Communications
Middle Level & Upper Level Debate Coach at the Galloway School
The Director of Communications will perform such duties as are incident to their office including recording minutes of all meetings, sending appropriate communications to the membership including a monthly newsletter.
Clay is serving his first year on the Executive Committee.
Term: July 2024 to July 2026
CONTACT THE COMMITTEE
STAY CONNECTED DURING THE SEASON
The GFCA offers two main ways for coaches to stay informed and engaged:
Mailing List – Used for formal announcements, updates, and official notifications.
Slack Community – A space for informal discussions, resource sharing, and networking with fellow coaches.