DECA’s National Advisory Board (NAB) is comprised of 50 major corporations, foundations, universities and associations that provide recommendations, advice and support to the DECA Inc. Board of Directors, staff and advisors. In addition to sponsoring their own projects with DECA, NAB companies work together to provide advice to DECA on a variety of issues such as strategic planning, skill standards for DECA programs and competitive events as well as professional development.
Years of Service
Congratulations to these outstanding National Advisory Board partners for reaching new milestones of service to DECA.
- 5 Years - George Mason University, School of Business
- 5 Years - IE University
- 5 Years - Lawrence Technological University
- 5 Years - National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS)
- 5 Years - The University of Wyoming, College of Business
- 10 Years - National Student Leadership Conference
- 15 Years - M&M Productions USA
- 15 Years - Publix Super Markets, Inc.
- 15 Years - Universal Orlando Resort
- 20 Years - SIFMA Foundation
- 25 Years - Hilton
Chairman's Awards
The Chairman’s Award recognizes the outgoing chairman of DECA’s National Advisory Board (NAB). DECA Inc. recognized two recipients of this award at the 2022 International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, GA.
M. Andy Chaves
Awarded in 2020
M. Andy Chaves began his partnership with DECA over 15 years ago by becoming a member of the National Advisory Board. After serving as a member of the Executive Committee for many years, he served as Chair of the NAB and as a member of the DECA Inc. Board of Directors from 2017 to 2019.
Through his dedication to preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, Andy has partnered with educators, advisors and administrators to promote DECA and career and technical education at the local, state and international levels. His most notable contributions include assisting DECA secure over $1 million in grants from the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation and attending DECA events all across the country as a sponsor, volunteer and mentor. Over 2,000 DECA members have been hired to work with Marriott International, Inc.
Andy worked in lodging operations at more than 10 hotel and conference resort properties and spent 20 years in human resources both in the North American lodging division and at Marriott International Corporate Headquarters.
Mike Brown
Awarded in 2022
Mike Brown has served as Chair of the National Advisory Board and as a member of the DECA Inc. Board of Directors from 2019 to 2022.
As founder, president and CEO of M&M Productions USA, Mike Brown oversees all aspects of the company. The business has been his vision since 1988 when he was just 13 years old. Since then, he has grown his teenage DJ service into a nationally-recognized operation serving high-profile entertainment, political and corporate clients.
Fresh out of high school, he produced the Duluth Fall Festival Concert at the Gwinnett Center in the Atlanta area. He handled everything from booking talent to ticket sales, as well as lighting and sound. It was a great learning experience that equipped Brown with a valuable skillset and helped propel him to larger events with big-name entertainers. Brown also has never stopped learning or lost his passion for entrepreneurship.
He supports DECA by funding the annual Full Virginia DECA Member Scholarship, producing general sessions for many association conferences, mentoring students, serving as a competitive event judge, and serving on the NAB. Mike also serves on advisory boards for business and marketing for Tennessee and ITT Tech.
