DECA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- High School Division President
Alex Ellsworth is a four-year DECA member born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. Serving as the High School Division President, Alex strives for all members to use their passion for DECA to take real action for their chapters and associations. She aims to make an impact by helping associations grow all DECA members' leadership, membership, recognition, engagement and enthusiasm. Previously, Alex served as a two-time Nevada DECA association officer as President and Vice President of Leadership. Her favorite quote is, "Leadership is not positional" because one's impact isn't defined by the title one holds. Alex will attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she will pursue degrees in hospitality and international business. When not using her passion for taking action, Alex enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and trying as many restaurants as possible.
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
Caitlin Roberts is DECA's communications coordinator. In this role, she manages integrated communications efforts across the organization. Caitlin serves as DECA's frontline communications agent and manages content creation and publishing for DECA's social media accounts and DECADirect.org.
Prior to joining DECA, Caitlin worked as a Student Success Coach for City Year in Baton Rouge, LA.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a concentration in Organizational Communications and a minor in Theatre Studies from James Madison University.
Caitlin has worked for DECA since 2019.
Job Titles:
- Accounting Membership Coordinator
Christopher Young, CAE, is DECA's chief program officer. In this role, he devises and leads organizational strategies and growth initiatives, including innovative student and advisor learning programs focused on ultimately preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.
Christopher served as state supervisor for business, marketing and information technology education at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, providing leadership in program management, curriculum, professional development and state policy for 200 marketing and cooperative education programs. He concurrently served as executive director for Missouri DECA and Missouri Collegiate DECA. Christopher has collaborated with a variety of educational, association and corporate groups on special projects and has been a featured speaker on association topics. His leadership has also netted numerous accolades for DECA Inc., including five ASAE Gold Circle awards. He is an active member of ASAE and PCMA and has served on advisory boards for Marriott International and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Christopher holds a Bachelor of Education degree and minors in business and journalism from the University of Missouri. He received his Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership in 2017.
Christopher has worked for DECA since 2009.
Christy Rutherford is DECA's education manager. She enhances and manages an educational framework for DECA's comprehensive learning program ensuring that all student programs are aligned to National Curriculum Standards. Christy also leads the advisor professional learning series and programs to support local chapter advisors.
Christy's extensive experience of more than 20 years in Career and Technical Education includes serving a business and marketing instructor and DECA advisor at Lee's Summit West High School in Missouri, Blue Valley High School in Kansas, and West Chester East High School in Pennsylvania. She also provided leadership as Secondary Business/Marketing Department Chairperson and Career Education Facilitator for the Lee's Summit R-7 School District and Assistant Director of Cass Career Center in Missouri. Most recently, Christy was a CTE Curriculum Executive for iCEV, well known for its online CTE curriculum, instructional materials and certification testing.
Christy holds a Master of Education in Secondary School Administration from the University of Central Missouri and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Business Education from Northwest Missouri State University.
Christy has worked for DECA since 2022.
Cindy Allen is DECA's director of sponsorships. In this role, she develops strategic corporate partnerships and serves as liaison between DECA Inc. and its partnering organizations. She also manages DECA's scholarship program, coordinates advertising and exhibits and works with special event activities.
Cindy has held a variety of positions including Director of Partnerships, Marketing Director and Administrative Assistant. Prior to joining the organization Cindy worked in the private sector as a secretary. She also managed front-end operations at a local food chain and worked for a national chain of grocery stores. Cindy holds multiple certificates in a variety of areas including Customer Service and Project Management.
Cindy has worked for DECA since 1991.
Danny Spors is DECA's brand manager. In this role, he leads DECA Inc.'s integrated branding efforts across the organization and sets the brand identity for major programs and activities. He works closely with DECA's graphic designer to plan and prepare informational materials to support educational conferences.
He has more than a decade of experience in career and technical student organizations (CTSO) across the country. His CTSO journey began as a freshman in high school and includes serving as a state and national officer. Prior to joining the DECA, Danny worked at TEAMTRI as Director of Media Services and Associate Creative Director. He specializes in visual design, integrated communications, and leadership development, as well as live event production.
Danny holds a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and a Minor in Mass Communication from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management.
Danny has worked for DECA since 2019.
Debbie Taylor is DECA's leadership specialist. In this role, she implements a comprehensive student leadership program for both the high school and college divisions. She is responsible for the Emerging Leader Series, student recognition programs and leads the DECA Inc. executive officer teams and elections.
She has had an extensive career in education, and training and development. Her background includes experiences as a STEM/Magnet Teacher, Title 1 Lead Teacher, ESE Teacher and Curriculum Coach.
Debbie holds her Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida and Bachelor of Arts in History and Education from the University of Florida.
Debbie has worked for DECA since 2019.
Job Titles:
- Collegiate DECA Vice President
Denise Konaté is a highly-motivated and dedicated digital marketing student with exceptional leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Her unique life experiences have fueled her desire to challenge stereotypes and create positive change. As a dedicated member of Collegiate DECA, Denise is committed to expanding the organization's reach and collaborating with others to achieve common goals. She is an innovative problem-solver, making her a valuable asset to any team. Beyond DECA, Denise has founded an organization that improves the lives of orphans in Africa-showcasing her leadership skills and dedication to volunteering and giving back to her community. As an honor student, she is driven to find solutions to problems and constantly seeks new challenges. Denise enjoys exploring different cultures, trying new foods, staying active and spending time with loved ones in her free time. Her unwavering determination to inspire others and create positive change is evident in all that she does.
Job Titles:
- Program Director
- Grants Program Director
Diane Pruner is DECA's grants program director. In this role, she oversees the AT&T Grant, which connects students from underserved populations with AT&T employee mentors. Working with schools across the country, she helps facilitate mentorship opportunities, trainings and other programs that ensure students are college and career ready.
She brings 30 years of experience in public education, beginning her career with Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia as a marketing teacher/DECA advisor before serving in administrative positions including program coordinator for marketing and CTE Director. Throughout her career she was active with DECA on the local, state, and national level, including service on the Virginia DECA Board of Trustees, as a competitive events coordinator at ICDC, and as a member of the DECA Competitive Events Taskforce. She is the recipient of Honorary Life Member recognition from Virginia DECA, and an Outstanding Service Award from DECA.
Diane holds a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing Education from the University of Maryland, and her Master's Degree in Career and Technical Education from George Mason University.
Diane has worked for DECA since 2015.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Senior Executive
Eliza Jeffereis is DECA's senior executive assistant. In this role, she supports the internal operations of DECA Inc. including non-profit management, accounting and governance. She provides logistical support to the DECA Inc. Board of Directors and serves as a liaison between the organization and other external parities.
She has worked in operations and administration in the commodities industry.
Eliza holds a Master of Arts in Education and Human Development from the George Washington University, a Bachelor of Arts from Union College in Schenectady, NY, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Entrepreneurial Education from UC Leuven-Limburg in Leuven, Belgium.
Eliza has worked for DECA since 2018.
Job Titles:
- Collegiate DECA Vice President
Emma Rose is a four-year DECA member who first discovered her love of DECA during her junior year of high school. After serving as a Tennessee DECA high school association officer and witnessing all that DECA had to offer, she decided that DECA truly did not have to end after high school. Once at the University of Tennessee, Emma worked to establish a Collegiate DECA chapter. She is determined to support all current and future Collegiate DECA members in their bids to expand and create their own chapters, as she knows firsthand how challenging it can be. Her ultimate goal is to make a positive impact within Collegiate DECA-no matter how small that impact may seem. In her free time, Emma enjoys being with her family, writing poetry and baking new recipes whenever possible.
Job Titles:
- Shop DECA 's Warehouse Coordinator
- Shop DECA Warehouse Coordinator
Ernest Winston is Shop DECA's warehouse coordinator. In this role, plays an integral role in the successful operation of Shop DECA. He is responsible for shipping and receiving all Shop DECA products and stocking items to ensure products are available to customers throughout the year.
Ernest has multiple years of experience in the warehousing field.
Ernest has worked for DECA since 2017.
Job Titles:
- Western Region Vice President
Eva Shapiro is a three-year DECA member born and raised in Colorado. Through her involvement with DECA, Eva has learned the importance of effective communication, teamwork and strategic thinking. She has had the opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds and develop innovative solutions to complex problems. As Eva continued to pursue her passion for DECA, she has taken on various leadership roles, including Colorado DECA District 3 Representative. Eva's leadership skills have flourished under the guidance of DECA mentors, who have challenged her to think outside the box. In addition to developing her leadership skills, Eva has found a sense of community and belonging within the organization. DECA has provided her with a supportive network of individuals who share her passion for leadership, business and entrepreneurship. When Eva isn't busy with DECA, she spends time skiing in the beautiful Colorado mountains and enjoys lava cakes and chai tea lattes.
Frank Peterson, CAE, is DECA's executive director. In this role, he provides direction to the organization's strategy and operations. Under his leadership, DECA Inc. annually prepares more than 225,000 emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Frank continues to work with educational and business partners to ensure DECA's programs are relevant in supporting workforce development and to secure funding to provide access to its members.
He previously served as Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, responsible for leading strategic and integrated communications and marketing functions that promote, support and continue to elevate the brand and mission of the organization. He also served as Acting and Interim Executive Director. Frank played a significant role in the rebranding of the organization by managing the complete redesign of DECA's collateral and marketing materials. He is an active member of American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), the Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE), and the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSOs). Throughout his tenure with DECA Inc., Frank has received five ASAE Gold Circle Awards.
Frank holds his Bachelor of Arts in Arts and Visual Technology and his Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership.
Frank has worked for DECA since 2005.
Eight directors are members elected, two from each region from the DECA Inc. representatives appointed by the chartered associations.
Two directors shall be ex-officio (non- voting). The two ex-officio directors shall be: (1) the Executive Director of DECA Inc.; and (2) the Vice-President of the Marketing Education Division of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE).
One director with voting rights shall be the chair of the National Advisory Board (NAB) and shall serve a two year term.
A representative from the U.S. Department of Education may be invited to serve the Board in a non-voting liaison capacity.
Job Titles:
- National Advisory Board Chair
Job Titles:
- Central Region Vice President
Holly Huston is a current high school student and DECA member born and raised in Marshall, Missouri. As a young leader, Holly is on the cusp of many educational and career opportunities. She is an eager individual who strives for excellence and always seeks outlets to devote her productive efforts. She has been involved in DECA since her freshman year of high school and has since excelled within the organization. Holly has enthusiastically participated in many leadership opportunities DECA provides, such as serving as an association officer for Missouri DECA. Not only has leadership played a role in Holly's DECA career, but thanks to the organization, it has been implemented into her everyday life. Her primary goal as a leader is to help others succeed because she believes that when people work together, they can do amazing things. When Holly isn't devoting her time to DECA, she enjoys spending her free time with coffee runs, upcycling clothing, ice-skating adventures and jamming out to Taylor Swift.
Jasmine Roberts is DECA's programs coordinator. In this role, she coordinates registration logistics for DECA's educational conferences and assists the programs team in delivering quality programs and services. She provides exceptional customer service to chapters and associations, addressing and resolving programmatic inquiries to help improve our members' overall experience.
She has held multiple positions including teaching, planning and executing events in the classroom. She also has experience in marketing and customer service in the retail space.
Jasmine holds her Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Events Management from George Mason University.
Jasmine has worked for DECA since 2022.
Job Titles:
- Shop DECA 's Customer Service Representative
- Shop DECA Customer Service Representative
Kristen Jones is Shop DECA's customer service representative. In this role, she ensures all customers have an exceptional shopping experience. In addition to providing support for online orders, answering product-related questions and responding to financial inquiries, Kristen also supports in the processing of custom orders for DECA chapters and associations.
She has more than 15 years of customer service and accounting administration experience.
Kristen holds a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies from Utah State University, and she studied the fields of business and instructional technology.
Kristen has worked for DECA since 2018.
Kylie Knudsen is DECA's experience coordinator. In this role, she coordinates attraction experiences for DECA's educational conferences, and assists with travel-related questions to ensure DECA members and advisors have the best experience possible. She assists DECA advisors who are placing orders for the official DECA attractions and coordinates the on-site distribution of the tickets.
She has four years' experience with the Walt Disney Company, working as an operations specialist at Disney's Animal Kingdom and a club level concierge at Disney's Boardwalk Resort. In these roles, Kylie maintained strong relationships utilizing a high level of responsiveness and provided ongoing engagement with club level, VIP and A-list guests from around the world.
Kylie holds her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from University of Denver and a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a double minor in Sociology and Management from Radford University.
Kylie has worked for DECA since 2023.
Job Titles:
- Program Coordinator
- Grants Program Coordinator
Marie Quaranta is DECA's grants program coordinator. In this role, she assists the AT&T Grant, which connects students from underserved populations with AT&T employee mentors.
Marie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a specialization in Public Relations and a double minor in Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership. She is a proud Clemson University alumna.
Marie has worked for DECA since 2023.
Job Titles:
- Collegiate DECA Vice President
Maryam Amin is a three-year DECA member and a freshman at the University of Oklahoma majoring in computer science with a minor in marketing. As the Oklahoma Collegiate DECA President, her main objectives were to increase membership and create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas and pushing their limits. In her first year of college, she co-founded a Collegiate DECA chapter at her university and helped Oklahoma University DECA compete at the association conference for the first time in history. Aside from Collegiate DECA, Maryam is very involved with the university's Campus Activities Council, Multicultural Clubs and Speakers Bureau. She is passionate about community building and loves connecting with people on campus and outside the university. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing sports and eating food from Egypt-where she's from.
Job Titles:
- Collegiate DECA President
Matthew Peagler's first introduction to DECA was during his senior year at Desert Mountain High School. Despite everything being online, he placed fourth at his association-level conference. He enjoyed the experience and decided to continue with Collegiate DECA, joining the chapter at Scottsdale Community College. Originally the only member of his chapter, Matthew spent time recruiting at club fairs, in classrooms and working with the Council of Student Leaders. After some time, he recruited a full officer team and members who have attended volunteer events, career immersion tours and association conferences. Before DECA, Matthew spent eleven years as a Boy Scout, completing his Eagle Scout and devoting countless hours to helping his troop, fulfilling practically every leadership position available.
Job Titles:
- Director of Data Management
Michael Mount is DECA's director of data management. In this role, he leads the implementation and utilization of the online membership system for membership submission and conference registration, maintaining and preparing financial information for membership dues and conference registration. He also manages DECA Inc's information technology needs and special projects related to data analysis.
Michael has worked for DECA since 2000.
Job Titles:
- STAFF Member
- Collegiate DECA Recruitment Engagement Coordinator
She is a former high school and Collegiate DECA member, having been involved for 10 years. Her professional experiences include Communications Manager for the UNLV School of Public Health as well as Marketing & Outreach Manager for the Asian Community Development Council.
Michelle holds her Bachelors of Science in Marketing with a minor in Global Entrepreneurship.
Job Titles:
- Member from Warner Robins
- Southern Region Vice President
Olivia Stegner is a four-year DECA member from Warner Robins, Georgia. She was a two-term association officer, previously serving as the Executive President and Vice President of Leadership for Georgia DECA. After discovering her passion for leadership, she has been building on her desire to amplify the next generation of leaders. She achieves this by hosting her podcast, Leadership with Liv, where she shares her first-hand leadership experiences. Olivia has impacted DECA through exciting membership initiatives that allow students to experience the difference. She currently studies at the College of William and Mary, majoring in economics. When not wearing her DECA blazer, you can find Olivia playing tennis, listening to country music and working towards her dream of serving as a United States Senator.
Job Titles:
- Shop DECA 's Retail Manager
Rachel Baxer is Shop DECA's retail manager. In this role, she manages the operations of Shop DECA including product line development and replenishment, as well as promotional planning and retail operations. She works closely with the Shop DECA team to ensure customers have a positive experience shopping with Shop DECA.
She has more than eight years of experience in the marketing and merchandise management fields working for major retailers where she managed promotional planning, store communications and inventory related to displays and promotions. She served as president for her DECA chapter and competed at DECA's International Career Development Conference.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from James Madison University.
Rachel has worked for DECA since 2022.
Job Titles:
- Competitive Events Specialist
- Events Specialist
Randi Bibiano is DECA's competitive events specialist. In this role, she conceptualizes and authors role-play scenarios for the collegiate and high school division's competitive events programs. She also manages DECA's online competitive events and serves as a liaison to volunteer efforts at DECA's educational conferences.
She was active in her local DECA chapter at Superior Senior High School in Superior, Wisconsin.
Randi holds her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Public Relations from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire.
Randi has worked for DECA since 1998.
Shawna Hession is DECA's graphic designer. In this role, she conceptualizes and designs deliverables for both print and digital, including conference programs, collateral materials, and DECA Direct Online graphics. She also works closely with Shop DECA to design artwork for products and conference swag.
Prior to joining the DECA, she worked as a designer for two years at Radford's College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Shawna holds her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and communications from Radford University in Virginia.
Shawna has worked for DECA since 2016.
Job Titles:
- Atlantic Region Vice President
Job Titles:
- Partnership and Volunteer Specialist
- Partnership Volunteer Specialist
Whitney Milbourne is DECA's partnership and volunteer specialist. In this role, she manages a portfolio of corporate and association partners to enhance their engagement at all levels within DECA. She also leads our volunteer recruitment and engagement efforts for both virtual and in-person conferences and events.
She served as a business and marketing instructor and DECA advisor at Orange County High School in Virginia for eight years. In that role, Whitney partnered with local businesses to develop projects and incentives designed to enhance lectures and student engagement. She served on the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) curriculum team to re-write curriculum for Principles of Business and Fashion Marketing. Whitney was named the Orange County High School Teacher of the Year in 2020. Prior to her career in education, Whitney served in commercial sales manager roles for nearly five years, in which she identified leads, coordinated prospecting, and developed relationships with commercial clients.
Whitney holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, with a minor in Global Business from Virginia Tech.
Whitney has worked for DECA since 2022.