A recent public discussion involving long-time chiropractic leaders Steve Judson, Edwin Cordero, Eddie Martinez, and Georgia-based doctors Drew Henderson and Brian Lieberman—both current GCC Board members—has drawn national attention to a significant realignment within the chiropractic profession.

These individuals were not casual participants in the International Chiropractors Association (ICA). They served in senior governance and leadership roles for many years. Their decision to step away from the ICA and align with the International Federation of Chiropractors and Organizations (IFCO) followed prolonged internal efforts to address governance concerns, election integrity, and adherence to the ICA’s founding mission.

Governance and Representation Concerns

According to the discussion, a central issue prompting their departure was the concentration of authority within the ICA’s governance structure. Former leaders cited reduced member input, contested election procedures, and decision-making processes that no longer reflected a membership-driven association. Particular concern was raised about actions surrounding representative assembly elections and executive leadership selection.

For Georgia chiropractors, these concerns are especially relevant, as they directly affected state representation and voting integrity, including actions involving Georgia delegates.

Broader Professional Implications

The conversation also addressed growing unease among principled chiropractors regarding the ICA’s relationships with national and international organizations influencing education, regulation, and professional terminology. Speakers emphasized that their decision was not reactionary, but rather a strategic move toward an organization they believe more clearly represents their professional values and philosophy.

Rather than forming a new entity, these leaders chose to strengthen the IFCO, citing its existing global structure and stated commitment to professional independence, patient choice, and philosophical clarity.

Why This Matters to GCC Members

For members of the Georgia Council of Chiropractic (GCC) and ICA-affiliated doctors in Georgia, this development underscores ongoing discussions about:

• Election integrity and governance transparency
• Who represents chiropractors at the national and international levels
• How professional identity and scope are defined and defended
• The role of global organizations in shaping U.S. chiropractic policy
  
  

Looking Ahead

Participants in the discussion characterized this moment not as an organizational split, but as a realignment they believe is necessary for the future of principled chiropractic advocacy. With experienced leaders now working through the IFCO, many expect increased international engagement and renewed debate over the profession’s direction.

GCC will continue to monitor developments that impact Georgia chiropractors and provide updates as this situation evolves.

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Source: Summary of a commentary by Dr. Matthew McCoy. Read the full article here: Why ICA Leaders Walked Away and Joined the IFCO.

Source: Find the original discussion here: FROM ICA TO IFCO: THE HISTORIC SHIFT. A New Era for Principled Chiropractic Begins — with Dr. Steve Judson, Dr. Drew Henderson, Dr. Eddie Martinez, Dr. Brian Lieberman, & Dr. Edwin Cordero