State Officers

Meet the State Officer Team

Aside from DECA, I am actively involved in my community. I'm on the Board of the Southington-Cheshire YMCA as well as the board of a town organization called STEPS. STEPS is a town-wide organization that promotes successful youth. Both these organizations are terrific places for me to have fun while helping the community. I have a very supportive family I love to spend time with. In addition, I have three dogs and a cat (they're family too). I love to be outside-- kayaking, biking, walking/running-- doing anything outside is very fun. I love to have a good time with my friends whether we're going to the beach or sitting around a bonfire making memories. Overall I am an energetic, caring, and motivated person who is embracing every opportunity in life. Being the CT State DECA President is one of those major opportunities I enjoy and I am very excited for this upcoming year.

Quote-- "Champions aren't made in the gyms, they are made from something they have deep inside them- a desire, a dream, a vision." Muhamad Ali

Stephanie Orser, Vice-President

Danbury High School

I have been a DECA member for four years and a vegetarian for six. In my spare time I spend time with family and friends. Community and school involvement is very important to me so I participate in school clubs such as DECA, Future Business Leaders of America, Green Club, National Art Honors Society, and National Honors Society. I believe in hard work and persistence so I am very excited to see what we can accomplish as a state executive team this year!

Quote: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou

Amber Kountz, Secretary

Hamden High School

I am a junior at Hamden High School. Currently and work in the school store and help DECA raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I volunteer at several places such as “There’s No Place Like Home” for adopted children, the Girls Friendly Society Mission Project for Papua, New Guinea, South Korea and Liberia, the youth tennis clinic at Yale University and the CHAIN Fund, which helps to financially support breast cancer patients. In addition, I serve as a National Delegate for the Girl Scouts of Connecticut and as a Connecticut delegate to the United Nations. In high school I am in honor classes and play on the varsity tennis and basketball teams. During my free time I love to play sports, watch comedy films and spend time with family and friends. I look forward to developing a strong communication with the state and local chapters and encourage more students to join DECA. Next year will be a fantastic year.

Quote: "You really can change the world if you care enough" by Marian Wright Edelman- Children's Denfense Fund official

Nicholas Perez, Treasurer

Southington High School

Hi CT Deca, I’m your state Treasurer and I am going to be a junior at Southington High School this year. I enjoy DECA not only because of marketing and leadership experience, but because of the fun I have in it. Outside of DECA, I like to play baseball, hang out with friends, and participate in my friend’s numerous music ventures.

Quote: If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative.

Jason Kelly, Reporter

Windham High School

Hi, I’m a student at Windham High School and I am 17 years old, I love to ski and I love DECA. After school hours, I play tennis, run cross county, and swim. I’m part of the student council and a member of the National Honor Society. I work for Advanced Residential Services, which is my uncle’s business and I also help out at the local soup kitchen. I have one brother who is two years older than me and two loving parents. I also love to cook and hangout with my friends.

Quote:   "Some think it's holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it's letting go." -- Sylvia Robinson

Gabrielle Gangi, Historian

The Gilbert School

My name is Gabrielle, but many of my friends call me gabby. I work up to 35 hours a week at an Italian restaurant, have served as president in my chapter this past year, and I am a varsity cheerleader. I enjoy hanging out with my friends in my spare time, painting taking pictures and being outdoors. I love fashion and plan to attend college for Fashion Marketing and Retail Merchandising. My goal is to be a buyer for a department store. Add me on facebook.

Quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” --Dr. Seuss