DEBATE-Kansas City Staff Members

Gabe Cook, Executive Director

Gabe Cook has been working for DEBATE-Kansas City since 2005 and has been actively involved with policy debate for nearly two decades. Mr. Cook debated in high school and was a four-time qualifier to the National Debate Tournament while debating for Missouri State. Mr, Cook performs a variety of tasks for DKC ranging from raising funds and working with DKC’s Board of Directors to writing debate curriculum and visiting schools. Mr. Cook has taught debate concepts at more than 40 schools with students ranging from middle school to all the way college; Mr. Cook teaches speech and argument courses at UMKC. For his work with DKC Mr. Cook was named the 2012 Cross Examination Debate Association Public Advocate of the Year.

Isaac Allen, Program Director

Mr. Allen has been working for DEBATE-Kansas City in 2007. Mr. Allen debated in both high school and college. At Smith Cotton High he was a national qualifier in policy debate and student congress. His congress expertise was critical in helping DKC create the largest middle school student congress program in the country. In college Mr. Allen debated for Missouri State where he captured the Junior Varsity National Championship. At DKC Mr. Allen manages the debate league, recruits mentors for debate teams, works directly with coaches and provides on- site support. During his tenure at DKC Mr. Allen has taught speech and debate concepts to thousands of student at dozens of schools, including UMKC where he teaches communication courses.