Jonathan Peele directs the Coolidge Foundation’s speech and debate program, where he focuses on expanding opportunities that enhance students’ skills in substantive communication, passion for engaged citizenship, and understanding of public policy. Prior to joining the Foundation, Mr. Peele taught and coached speech and debate for more than two decades. With his leadership, his students amassed an impressive collection of awards, including the 2018 NSDA national championship in Congressional Debate – Senate. Alongside his work in schools, he co-founded a profitable educational summer program, the Institute for Speech and Debate, guiding it from startup in 2012 to a successful exit in 2021. Mr. Peele holds a Master of Education degree from UNC-Charlotte and a Bachelor of Political Science degree from UNC-Chapel Hill.