CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS
Interested in running for Virginia DECA State Officer?
Becoming a Virginia DECA State Officer is an exciting opportunity to grow as a leader, represent thousands of members across the state, and make a lasting impact on our organization. As a candidate, you’ll gain valuable experience in leadership, teamwork, and professional development while serving as the voice of Virginia DECA. Explore this page to learn more about the qualifications, application process, and what it means to serve as a state officer.
Questions should be directed to elections@vadeca.org
Meet the State Officer Candidates
2026-2027
Join us! Learn more about the future leaders of Virginia DECA and hear their vision firsthand.
📅 Friday, February 27 | 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
📅 Saturday, February 28 | 9:00AM - 1:00PM
📍 Virginia Beach Convention Center, Suite 3
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, ask questions, and support the next generation of Virginia DECA leaders!
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Rishab Nanduri
Oakton High School
President
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Nishika Yalavarti
Riverside High School
President
Grace Zook
King George High School
President
Mahmoud Khatab
John Champe High School
VP Leadership
Carl Prince
Atlee High School
VP Leadership
Mikenzie May
Lake Braddock Secondary
VP Leadership
Izabela Thompson
Kempsville High School
VP Leadership
William Allen
South County High Sch
VP Career Development
Akshay Setty
Potomac Falls High
VP Career Development
Mallika Gandhi
Dominion High School
VP Career Development
Kaylee Yuen
Fairfax High School
VP Career Development
Nithya Kodali
Independence High
VP Career Development
Robert Bonilla
James Madison High
VP Marketing
Neal Deshpande
John Champe High School
VP Marketing
Connor Plunkett
Potomac Falls High School
VP Marketing
Kaylee West
Sherando High School
VP Marketing
Kavya Balamurugan
Broad Run High School
VP Hospitality
Allie Musil
Warren County High
VP Hospitality
Varsha Shankar
Lightridge High School
VP Hospitality
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Harsha Dinesh
Briar Woods High School
VP Region 1
Roshan Varghese
Broad Run High School
VP Region 1
Nathan Ward
Stone Bridge High School
VP Region 1
Heela Hamdard
Westfield High School
VP Region 2
Ivy McFadden
Lake Braddock Secondary
VP Region 2
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Anika Shelat
Fairfax High School
VP Region 2
Elizabeth Yoo
George C. Marshall
VP Region 2
Nathalie Abrego
Warren County High
VP Region 3
Maggie Donahue
King George High School
VP Region 3
Naema Elie
Atlee High School
VP Region 3
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Carsen Fleischer
Great Bridge High School
VP Region 4
Hannah Fierro
Prince George High
VP Region 4
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Lily DeRosie
Colonial Heights High
VP Region 4
Morgan McCray
Oscar Smith High School
VP Region 4
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Eden Kasongo
Salem High School
VP Region 5
Claire Ricketts
Cave Spring High School
VP Region 5
Addison Weaver
Hidden Valley High School
VP Region 5
The process.
1a
Complete an application.
You may use your school or personal email account.
The applicant will need to collect the following to complete the application.
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Applicant information
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School Information
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DECA Experience
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Other Leadership Experience
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Transcripts from the end of the previous school year.
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4X6 Zoomed in Headshot(neck up) in DECA Blazer
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Tie or Ascot must be worn in the headshot
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Applicant/Parent Agreement
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Advisor Statement of Responsibility
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Candidate Statement of Responsibility
1b
Video Interview
If selected to move on:
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The video interview is a scheduled interview with the Chartered Association Advisor.
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The candidate will have up to 15 minutes to answer the questions posed. Video interviews will be completed during VA DECA office hours when possible.
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No interviews will be done from the student’s home. All interviews must be done at school with an advisor present.
2
Slating Committee Interview
The Slating Committee will:
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Interview each candidate fairly and objectively to determine eligibility to seek office
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Evaluate each candidate for office using interview scores as criteria
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Recommend slating a candidate to provide at least two candidates for each office
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Interviews will be conducted via Zoom and will last between 6 to 15 minutes.
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Candidates should be dressed in a DECA Blazer and follow the competition dress code for the interview. This means that a tie/ascot is required if a collared shirt is worn.
3
Test
Applicants will take a paper test on DECA knowledge at the State Leadership Conference.
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The test is 50 questions (questions could be multiple choice, matching, or T/F)
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Applicants have 1 hour to complete the test.
Begin by Reviewing this in-depth guide - 75% of the material has been taken from here.
4
Campaigning
Campaigning procedures:
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Candidates may not exceed $100 for campaign materials and must provide a budget with receipts electronically through a link provided to the officer before Friday of SLC.
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The candidate may not use social media to campaign.
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Candidates may have 1 piece of literature at their table
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Candidate may have 1 tri-fold board (science fair).
5
Election Schedule
December 15 | Applications due
December 30 | Interview Sign Up due
January 6-15 | Virtual interviews with Mrs. Tual
January 21 | 6 PM - Mandatory Candidate Briefing for Candidate and Advisor and
Slating Interview Sign Up due
January 26 & 27 | 4:30 PM-7 PM - Slating Committee Interviews
January 28 | Slating Results Email
January 29 | Candidates responses due by 5:00pm
February 20 | 4 PM -
30-Second Backup Video Due
February 23 | 8 AM - Chapters, under the supervision of their advisor, may make one post on their chapter’s official social media account. Individual officer campaign accounts are not permitted.
February 27 | 11 AM - 4 PM
Meet the Candidates
February 28 | 9 AM - 1 PM
Meet the Candidates
February 28 | 3 PM - Election Session
March 1 | New Team Announced at Closing Session