Being an Executive Officer has been the greatest honor of my life. It has pushed me to be a stronger leader and communicator, opened up travel and networking opportunities, and has helped me feel prepared for my future career.
Executive Office is much more than just a title: it's an opportunity to give back to our organization while expanding your journey as an emerging leader. Here’s why you should consider running for Executive Office.
Create Real Impact
Executive Office allows you to turn your goals into impact. As a candidate, you will be tasked with creating certain initiatives. Once elected, you’re able to take those initiatives and turn them into impact.
This past year alone, our team has launched several new initiatives, including Lead With DECA, The DECA Drop, The Executive Officer TikTok and Association Spotlights on ONE DECA. These initiatives were created to highlight member success while fostering a personal relationship between our members and us.
Running is a Win
When running for Executive Office, there is the possibility of not being elected. Know that the process itself is incredibly rewarding. All slated candidates can caucus with their respective associations, an opportunity to better understand how to best serve others, present a speech to the voting delegates and create a campaign. Being a candidate alone improves your on-the-spot thinking, helps you answer tough questions and teaches you how to address awkward situations.
Discover What You’re Capable Of
Most candidates don’t know what they're capable of until they step into a room full of leaders looking at you to make decisions. Running for Executive Office pushes you to find your voice.
Build Lasting Connections
As an Executive Officer, you have the incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders, association officers and advisors from around the nation. In our term alone, we have had the privilege of meeting with Marriott International’s top executives, maintaining close relationships with our Association Officers and meeting one-on-one with members from all over the nation.
Create Your Closet Friends
The Executive Office is objectively different than almost any other team you may have been a part of. There are five members from various associations and walks of life. As an officer, I can say that our team has truly bonded with one another. What makes this team so different is the like-minded individuals who all have the same drive and are continuously looking for ways to improve. You never know, your new best friends may just be an election away.
Ultimately, the Executive Office is more than just standing on stage and delivering keynotes. It’s about serving the organization that has provided us with memories, friends and tools for our future.
Please remember that Executive Officer applications are due on March 2nd. As always, feel free to reach out to your current Executive Officers with any questions.
