The Board of Directors

The Oregon Forensics Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to expanding opportunities in speech, debate, and mock trial. Our directors bring experience in law, education, nonprofit leadership, and forensics, ensuring strong governance and a clear vision for the future.

As the Foundation grows, we are seeking additional board members who share our passion for empowering students through advocacy, reasoning, and civic participation. Board service is a meaningful way to give back, strengthen the pipeline of young leaders, and help secure the future of forensics in Oregon.

We are building a diverse Board that reflects the entire forensics community in Oregon. We welcome applications from individuals who bring:

Forensics experience as a coach, competitor, judge, or supporter of speech, debate, or mock trial
Representation from across the state — including different universities, colleges, and high schools
Professional expertise in law, education, nonprofit management, finance, communications, or community leadership
Connections to the student experience as current students, recent alumni, or parents of participants
Educators and mentors — including professors and high school teachers who guide and support young people
Commitment to equity and access, ensuring that students from every background have the chance to participate and succeed

By bringing together voices from across Oregon, we can ensure that the Foundation supports programs statewide and strengthens the connections between high schools, universities, and the broader community.

Garrett West — President

Garrett West is the President of the Oregon Forensics Foundation and a lifelong advocate for speech, debate, and mock trial in Oregon. A graduate of North Medford High School, Garrett competed in debate before continuing his forensics journey at the University of Oregon, where he served as President of the Clark Honors College Student Association and captained the UO Mock Trial Team. In recognition of his leadership, the team created the Garrett West Professionalism Award, presented annually at the David Frohnmayer Invitational.

Garrett earned his law degree at Georgetown University Law Center, where he was a member of the Moot Court Team and served as Executive Editor of the Georgetown Environmental Law Review. Today, he continues to mentor students as a coach of the University of Oregon Law School Moot Court Team, guiding the next generation of advocates.

In his professional life, Garrett is a land use and real estate attorney and partner at O’Connor West, LLC. He also serves as a City Councilor in Medford, Oregon, sits on the Oregon Wildfire Programs Advisory Council, and is a member of the Board of the Oregon Home Builders Association. Previously, he served six years on the Board of Directors of Dogs for Better Lives, a national nonprofit.

As President of the Oregon Forensics Foundation, Garrett brings his passion for forensics, combined with deep experience in law, governance, and community leadership, to ensure that speech, debate, and mock trial remain accessible and thriving across Oregon.

Kyla Schmitt – Vice President

Kyla Schmitt is a lifelong advocate for speech and debate. She currently serves as Head Speech & Debate Coach for the 4J School District in Eugene, where she mentors high school students in developing their skills in public speaking, argumentation, and civic engagement. As a competitor, she distinguished herself nationally as a finalist and top speaker, and she has carried that passion forward into leadership and teaching.

Beyond forensics, Kyla’s academic career reflects her dedication to research and education. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s Clark Honors College, she earned dual degrees in Environmental Science and Humanities, with minors in Biology, English, and Economics. She has published peer-reviewed research, presented at conferences, and was awarded the Aaron Novick Award for distinguished undergraduate research.

Kyla brings to the Foundation both her forensics expertise and her experience guiding student development. As Vice President, she helps lead OFF’s mission to ensure students across Oregon have access to the transformative opportunities of speech, debate, and mock trial.

Michael Sugar — Secretary

Michael Sugar is a lifelong educator and forensics supporter who brings both classroom and leadership experience to the Foundation. He currently coaches the West Linn High School Speech & Debate program, where he mentors students in the same activity that shaped his own education.

An active University of Oregon alumnus, Michael graduated magna cum laude with a double major in Theatre Arts and History, plus a minor in Religious Studies. During his time on campus, he served as President of the Clark Honors College Student Association, leading a team of student officers, managing a significant budget, and organizing dozens of academic and community events. He was also selected as the Clark Honors College Commencement Speaker, recognizing his contributions to the university community.

After UO, Michael earned a Master’s in Education from Johns Hopkins University through Teach For America’s National Program. He has taught at schools in Maryland, South Carolina, and now back in Oregon, always focused on helping students strengthen their communication, critical thinking, and civic skills.

As Secretary of the Oregon Forensics Foundation, Michael ensures that the Foundation’s work is transparent, well-documented, and aligned with its mission to support speech, debate, and mock trial across the state.