The Governing Board of the International Public Debate Association is comprised of seven members who are charged with deliberating over the policies, rules and procedures of the IPDA as well as serving as an advisory panel to the Executive Committee. There are three elected positions, chosen by majority vote at each year's National Championship Tournament, and three positions appointed by the Executive Committee. Each year, one elected and one appointed position expire. In addition, the Varsity Season-Long Champion (or highest ranked returning Varsity competitor) will serve a one-year term as a student representative.
Jerry McCauley, Bossier Parish Community College (Bossier City, LA): 2018/2019 - Varsity Student Representative
Dr. Pat Richey, Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro, TN): 2018-2020
Dr. Paul Strait, University of Southern Mississippi (Harrisburg, MS): 2018-2020
Joe Ganakos, Lee College (Baytown, TX): 2017-2020
Dr. Davina McClain, Northwestern State Univeristy (Nachitoches, LA: 2017-2020
Chris Brown, John Brown University (Siloam Springs, AR): 2016-2019
Dr. Mike Ingram, Whitworth University (Spokane, WA): 2016-2019