For many years the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses was synonymous with the board of directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, and matters were largely in the hands of its president.
Paljude aastate kestel oli Jehoova Tunnistajate Juhtiv Kogu sama, mis Pennsylvania Vahitorni Piibli ja Traktaatide Ühingu direktorite nõukogu, ning enamjaolt lahendas küsimused selle president.