As our primary student brand ambassadors, DECA executive officers represent over 315,000 student members to a variety of key stakeholders, including fellow members, advisors, education administrators, business partners, public policymakers and more. Executive officers commit to serving DECA for the year in which they are in office. While challenging, an officer’s term also brings personal and professional growth.
The candidates below are running for executive office and hope to serve as the leaders of DECA’s High School Division for the 2025-2026 school year.
DECA members attending DECA ICDC in Atlanta, GA, can attend the Meet the Candidate Session on Monday, April 27. All members can meet the candidates and ask them questions about their platform. Drop in anytime between 2:00-4:00 PM in the B301 Foyer.
The new Executive Officer Team will be announced during the ICDC Grand Awards Session on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 8:30 PM ET.
Candidate for High School Division President
Amare Teel
Amare is a dedicated four-year DECA member from the Palmetto State of South Carolina. After serving as a chapter officer his sophomore year, he immersed himself in the countless leadership opportunities DECA offers and used his platform to better his fellow members. Having experience as the Vice President of Marketing and, most recently, the State President of South Carolina DECA, Amare has centered every opportunity on one goal: to lead in a way that puts members first and purpose at the forefront.
As his time in DECA comes to an end, his unwavering commitment to its members does not; it only deepens his devotion to the people who make DECA what it is. That devotion fuels his drive to serve DECA at the highest level, advocating for member growth across the high school division. Beyond DECA, Amare can be found behind his Canon G7X camera, thrifting unique finds, singing, public speaking and creating digital content. No matter the role, his focus remains on the people who give DECA its heart.
Anna Rivelles
Anna Luiza Rivelles is a six-figure business owner who actively integrates her DECA experience into her real-world entrepreneurial ventures. She applies the marketing, finance and strategic planning skills she developed through competition directly to her company’s growth, branding and client-acquisition strategies. At the same time, operating a business gives her a practical perspective that strengthens her competitive presentations, allowing her to speak from firsthand experience about budgeting, market analysis, customer relations and long-term scalability.
In addition to her business pursuits, Anna manages social media for seven clubs at her school, leveraging her strengths in digital marketing, branding and trend analysis to increase engagement and visibility. She has earned state-level recognition in debate, HOSA, FCCLA, cheer and DECA, demonstrating excellence across disciplines.
Deeply committed to service, Anna participates in humanitarian trips multiple times each year. Her long-term goal is to become a highly successful entrepreneur who builds impactful businesses and uses her success to give back to communities in need worldwide.
Chrysanthi Euripides
Chrysanthi Euripides is a 3-year DECA member. She is grateful for the growth opportunities and support DECA has provided. Her mission is to empower members to maximize DECA’s opportunities, knowing that confidence doesn’t come before action; it comes because of it.
As the Vice President of Career Development for Virginia DECA, she served over 17,800 members. Chrysanthi founded and led Virginia DECA’s Monthly Guest Speaker Series, connecting members directly with national executives to strengthen career readiness. She also launched ICDC Insider Panels, featuring ICDC finalists and executive officers and drawing members from across the United States. She proudly represented members as a panelist at DECA’s National Advisory Board Annual Meeting and organized the first joint District 18 & 19 officer training to build collaboration across chapters.
Chrysanthi is known for her contagious enthusiasm, executive presence and drive to deliver results. Every time she connects with members, she is inspired by their stories and committed to helping them achieve their goals. Outside of DECA, she competes nationally in triathlon and is a two-time All-American. She is unwaveringly committed to and passionate about empowering every member to realize their potential.
Rishin Shah
Rishin Shah is a six-year DECA member from South Forsyth High School in Cumming, Georgia, with a profound commitment to servant leadership. Currently serving as the Vice President of Finance for Georgia DECA, Rishin helps lead the second-largest association in the world, representing over 21,000 members. His leadership journey began in middle school, where he served as Chapter President, and continued through high school as VP of Membership and VP of State Projects for his chapter.
A seasoned competitor, Rishin is a state champion and an ICDC International Finalist in Sports and Entertainment Marketing. Beyond competition, he launched the "CTAE Across the Peach State" series to amplify student voices and unify leaders across Georgia's CTSOs. Outside of DECA, Rishin is a varsity debater and loves learning new languages. He is dedicated to ensuring that every member, regardless of experience, feels empowered to break their own barriers and “Go The Extra.” Rishin would be honored to apply his experience and passion as the next DECA High School Division President.
Candidates for Central Region Vice President
Abigail Huitt
Abigail Huitt is a dedicated student leader with a strong passion for personal growth, service and excellence. She is actively involved in DECA, where she has developed a deep interest in leadership, business and mental health advocacy. Through initiatives such as Mindful Monday, Abby promotes balance and well-being within student leadership, believing that success is strongest when people are supported both personally and professionally.
Outside of DECA, Abby is a competitive bowler who has been involved in the sport from a young age, gaining valuable lessons in discipline, resilience and perseverance. She is also a member of her school's wind ensemble, where she plays the bassoon and collaborates with peers in a high-level musical setting.
Abby's experiences across athletics, music and leadership have shaped her into a well-rounded individual with strong communication skills and a commitment to serving others. She leads with empathy, curiosity and humility, striving to make a positive and lasting impact in every organization she is part of while continuing to grow as a student, leader and advocate.
Candidate for North Atlantic Region Vice President
Anna Aldrich
Anna Aldrich is the New York DECA Vice President of Communications for the 2025-2026 term and a three-year chapter president at Homer Central School. She is a three-year DECA member who is passionate about expanding opportunities for all students and increasing member engagement. In her role as Vice President of Communications, she increased social media presence and member participation, contributing to a 2,000-member growth during her term.
DECA has changed her life in more ways than one, and she believes the leadership opportunities and personal growth DECA provides will positively impact others as well. Anna hopes to continue expanding DECA and create a more vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. She has attended ICDC twice, once for the transformative experience of participating in the Elevate Leadership Academy and once as a competitor in an Innovation Plan event. Outside of DECA, Anna runs cross-country and wrestles, volunteers at her church and has a passion for flowers.
Wilsey Zahner
Wilsey Zahner has been an active member of DECA for four years. She is a passionate leader, having held roles as Chapter Officer, Chapter President, Chapter Mentor-President and Association Officer. An ICDC glass winner, Wilsey is a fierce competitor, having placed 1st in Connecticut’s SCDC Apparel and Accessories Marketing category in her sophomore and junior years, followed by 6th and 3rd at ICDC.
Wilsey has also served DECA Inc. as a Content Creator, contributing to DECA Direct articles and posts. She is an innovative contributor who has spearheaded Advocacy Amplified to provide resources to support CTSO advocacy and created DECA LAND. This engaging board game helps members prepare for cluster exams. She was honored to present DECA LAND at Power Trip Learning Labs in 2024 and 2025. Wilsey strongly values service leadership and the personal connections made through the DECA community. Outside of DECA, Wilsey served as team captain and lead defense attorney for her mock trial team. She is an avid Marvel fan and enjoys reading and writing in her free time.
Candidate for Southern Region Vice President
James McQuillan
James McQuillan has served as Mississippi DECA’s Vice President of Marketing, where his main mission was to revive the state’s social media presence after 6 years of radio silence. Armed with an unhealthy dose of humor, several coffees and a camera from 2008, James has worked hard to make Mississippi DECA more visible and engaging for students across the state. He’s extremely passionate about celebrating small wins, connecting chapters and capturing every moment that represents Mississippi.
Outside of DECA, James balances academics, two part-time jobs and the infamous butterfly planner. Whether he’s posting, planning or pulling an all-nighter to help a chapter, James brings everything you can think of: energy, a little bit of sarcasm and a coffee with way too many shots. However, rest assured, he will always be present in whatever he is involved in. At this point, he’ll create a hotline for scheduling.
Candidate for Western Region Vice President
Rachael Golembesky
Rachael Golembesky, an active three-year member of Nevada DECA, experienced a journey defined by growth, leadership and meaningful connection. She proudly served as Nevada DECA’s State President and as a student representative on its Board of Trustees; these roles have given her valuable insight into how best to collaborate and serve. During her time as a State Officer, Rachael prioritized connecting Nevada DECA members by creating networking opportunities, hosting training academies and engaging directly with chapters through purposeful, impactful visits.
DECA gave Rachael the ability and inspiration to redefine herself in ways beyond her imagination. If elected as Western Region Vice President, she strives to expand mentorship, strengthen overall member growth and provide meaningful project support to members on an international scale. Outside of DECA, Rachael enjoys participating in school activities and spending time with her friends and family.
