Member Login
Select Page

Who We Are

Who We Are

The national office is located in West Des Moines, IA. Our experienced staff is available to help answer all your speech and debate questions or connect you with local support. Our customer service team is dedicated to providing you with the support you need to succeed! Combined, they have nearly 15 years of experience helping coaches navigate the world of speech and debate.

Customer Service Graphic. 50-70% Average emails per day to info@speechanddebate.org. Less than 24hr average response time. 9,780 Total calls, 18,626 total emails, 95.25% customer satisfaction

Customer Service

Matt Bopes

Matt Bopes

Membership Assistant

About Matt
Matt Bopes joined the NSDA in 2019. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in Political Science in 2013. After graduation, Matt gained management and organizing experience on various political campaigns and projects. Most recently, Matt worked in customer service for two years. At the NSDA, Matt provides customer support to members, manages membership data, and assists with resource development.
Kevon Haughton

Kevon Haughton

Tournament Services Coordinator

About Kevon

Kevon Haughton joined the national office in 2020. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Public & Nonprofit Administration with a minor in African American Studies from Rutgers University. After immigrating to the United States, he found his passion for both speech and debate and has been involved in the community for over ten years. As a competitor, coach, and mentor Kevon worked for over five years building and strengthening debate programs in the city of Newark. In addition to his work within the debate community, a vast majority of Kevon’s professional experience has been spent managing civic engagement and voting rights programs throughout the United States. Similarly, he has worked with schools and nonprofits to build curriculums and develop and enhance their community outreach and relationships with outside organizations. As Tournament Services Coordinator, Kevon provides tournament support for coaches using NSDA services such as Tabroom.com and Campus.

Lauren McCool

Lauren McCool

Manager of District and Tournament Services

About Lauren

Lauren McCool joined the national office in 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master of Arts in Theatre History and Performance Studies from Bowling Green State University, and Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction for English Language Learners from the University of Nebraska – Kearney. As a teacher, Lauren taught theatre, public speaking, and debate courses. She also served as an interventionist for English Language Learners. As a coach, Lauren coached students to district, state, and national level titles in public speaking, interpretation, and debate. Her work for the NSDA centers upon supporting district leaders and facilitating the organization’s tournament services and judge training.

Eli Woody

Eli Woody

Membership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator

About Eli

Eli Woody joined the NSDA in 2020. He is an alum of the NSDA, competing at Topeka High School (KS) in many events, including Duo Interpretation, in which he was a national qualifier in 2007. Eli coached speech and debate for 11 years and—as a biracial man—proudly attended the Black/African American Coaches’ Caucus. He graduated from Washburn University with a B.A. in English Education in 2012 and from the University of Colorado Denver with an M.A. in Communication in 2020. At the NSDA, Eli provides customer support to members and is also passionate about sharing and discussing resources on antiracism and equity.

Meet the rest of our staff at www.speechanddebate.org/meet-the-team

Contact Us

The NSDA is governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of elected members who are current or former NSDA coaches and appointed members who are experts in their fields. Elections are held every two years and an advisor at each member school can cast a vote in the election. Meet the Board of Directors at www.speechanddebate.org/meet-the-team.

Email
info@speechanddebate.org
Mailing Address
National Speech & Debate Association
6600 Westown Parkway, Suite 270
West Des Moines, IA 50266
USA

Phone Number
(920) 748-6206

Hours

Standard Hours (September-June)
Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT
Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Summer Hours (July-August)
Monday-Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT
Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT
Saturday-Sunday: Closed