About the GFCA

Created in the 1980’s and re-tooled in 2010, the Georgia Forensic Association operates as the governing body for high school speech & debate for all schools in the state.

Our mission is to promote and develop students' communication and research skills, vital assets for a lifetime of quality participation in a democratic society.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Contact Us

  • Past Presidents

    • 1996-2010: Richard Bracknell, Carrollton High School

    • 2010-2012: Mario Herrera, Grady High School

    • 2012-2015: Jeffrey Miller, Marist School

    Past Vice Presidents

    • 1996-1998: Paula Nettles, Woodward Academy

    • 1998-2002: Kenneth Grodd, St. Pius X Catholic School

    • 2002-2003: Ted Carter, Calhoun HS

    • 2003-2009: Sean Bennett, Starr's Mill/Whitewater HS

    • 2009-2010: Lee Robinson, Lincoln County HS

    • 2010-2011: Adam Smiley, Alpharetta HS

    • 2011-2013: Richard Bracknell, Carrollton HS

    • 2013-2014: John McClellan, Warner Robins HS

    • 2014-2015: James Brock, Houston County HS

    Past Secretary

    • 1996-2000: Donald Rhodes, Houston County HS

    • 2000-2001: Tony Jones, Houston County HS

    • 2001-2004: Kelly Parker, Centennial HS

    • 2004-2009: Lee Robinson, Lincoln County HS

    • 2009-2010: Mario Herrera, Grady HS

    • 2010-2012: Jeffrey Miller, Fayette County HS/Marist School

    • 2012-2013: Maggie Berthiaume, Woodward Academy

    • 2013-2014: Bill Batterman, Woodward Academy

    • 2014-2015: Jonathan Waters, Grovetown HS

    Past Treasurer

    • 1996-2000: Martha Kelly, Dublin HS

    • 2000-2007: Leslie Watkins, Brookwood HS

    • 2007-2008: Josh Marsh, Whitewater HS

    • 2008-2009: Mario Herrera, Grady HS

    • 2009-2010: Jeffrey Miller, Fayette County HS

    • 2010-2013: John McClellan, Warner Robins HS

    • 2013-2015: Richard Bracknell, Carrollton HS

  • Chairpersons

    • 2015-2016: Brandon Kendall, Starr's Mill HS

    • 2016-2017: Jeffrey Miller, Marist School

    • 2017-2022: Mario Herrera, Grady HS/Midtown HS

    • 2022-Present: Maggie Berthiaume, Woodward Academy

    Director of Operations

    • 2015-2016: Shunta Jordan, Pace Academy

    • 2016-2017: Lyndsey Oliver, Columbus HS

    • 2017-2019: Robert Walker, Warner Robins HS

    • 2019-2022: Maggie Berthiaume, Woodward Academy

    • 2022-2024: Jonathan Waters, Lassiter HS

    • 2024-Present: Jeffrey Miller, Marist School

    Director of Programs

    • 2015-2018: Mary Kay Waterman, Lovett School

    • 2018-2022: Pam Childress, Valdosta HS

    • 2022-2023: Brianna Crockett, Valdosta HS

    • 2023-2024: Jeffrey Miller, Marist School

    • 2024-Present: Michael Robinson, North Atlanta HS

    Director of Communications

    • 2015-2018: Pam Childress, Valdosta HS

    • 2018-2020: Lauren Donnenfeld, Alpharetta HS

    • 2020-2022: Jonathan Waters, Northview HS

    • 2022-2024: Jamie Wills, Cherokee HS

    • 2024-Present: Clay Stewart, Galloway School

    Director of Finance

    • 2015-Present: Richard Bracknell