2026-2027 STATE OFFICER TEAM

DANIEL REN

GLENDA DAWSON HIGH SCHOOL

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Daniel Ren is a student at Glenda Dawson High School and proudly serves as your Texas DECA State President. A dedicated member since his freshman year, he has qualified for ICDC in Startup Business Plan for three consecutive years and earned 2nd place glass at ICDC his freshman year. These experiences have strengthened his skills in entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. Through his leadership, Daniel has made a strong impact at both the district and chapter level, serving as former District 3 President, where he and his team implemented a chapter check-in system to improve communication and engagement, with plans to expand it across Texas. At his home chapter, he has hosted mock competitions, structured practice sessions to support new members, and organized high-energy socials that build both confidence and community. Beyond DECA, Daniel serves as the Lieutenant Governor of Texas YMCA Youth & Government and is also a passionate tennis player. He keeps things simple, works hard, and focuses on creating meaningful results over time, and is pumped to be serving Texas DECA.

VICE PRESIDENT

KATE HAMPTON

JOHN FOSTER DULLES HIGH SCHOOL

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Kate Hampton is a student at Dulles High School in Houston and proudly serves as one of your Team 81 Vice Presidents. A three-time state qualifier, she first represented her chapter at ICDC as a freshman and has since built leadership experience ranging from the chapter to district levels. During her sophomore year, Kate served as Vice President of Prepared Events, where she supported over 50 members by proofreading papers, giving detailed feedback, and hosting over ten instructional workshops. She also recently completed her term as Vice President of District 3, where she helped strengthen emerging chapters through virtual check-ins and assisted in leading a hygiene donation drive that collected over 1,000 items. Her passion for business extends beyond DECA through her role as CFO of her school’s Junior Achievement company, Talk of the Town, a public speaking card game designed to help students build public speaking confidence and communication skills. Kate’s vision for Texas DECA is rooted in practicality. She is passionate about elevating the incredible resources already available and making sure every member has access to the tools, guidance, and support they need to succeed. Beyond the blazer, Kate enjoys traveling, reading, diamond painting, and baking for her family!

VICE PRESIDENT

MAGGIE NEMALIKANTI

REEDY HIGH SCHOOL

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Maggie Nemalikanti is a student at Reedy High School and proudly serves as one of your Texas DECA State Vice Presidents. As a dedicated three-year member, she has represented over 450 members as Reedy DECA’s Vice President of Leadership. Maggie is a two-time ICDC Finalist in marketing roleplay events and a Texas DECA Rising Star, experiences that have strengthened her creativity, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. Through her leadership, Maggie has hosted workshops, mentored new members through the competition process, and helped create an environment where everyone feels encouraged to take risks and grow. She is passionate about empowering others and is committed to helping every Texas DECA member reach success. Outside of DECA, Maggie is a varsity tennis member who leads with resilience and teamwork. She enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with friends and family, and is also a big fan of the Minnesota Vikings. Driven and optimistic, Maggie is excited to serve Texas DECA and make a meaningful impact this year.

VICE PRESIDENT

ANIRUDH PUVVADA

ROUND ROCK HIGH SCHOOL

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Anirudh Puvvada, a junior at Round Rock High School in Central Texas, proudly serves as your Texas DECA Vice President. As a three-year member, he has represented over 4,000 members as Texas DECA District 5 President. Anirudh is a two-time ICDC Grand Finalist and even earned 1st place at ICDC in Principles of Finance his freshman year. These experiences have sharpened his leadership, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. Through his leadership, Anirudh has made a significant impact at both the district and chapter levels. During his time as District 5 President, he helped raise over $11,000 for the Settlement Home for Children and created the first-ever district-wide competition team. At the chapter level, Anirudh provided critical advice to first-year members through workshops and meetings. He loves meeting DECA members and being part of this amazing organization. Beyond DECA, Anirudh is actively involved in debate and Boy Scouts and is a member of his school's track team. He enjoys watching soccer and is a big fan of Real Madrid. Overall, he believes in keeping things simple, ensuring everyone is heard, and is beyond excited to #GoTheExtra this year.

VICE PRESIDENT

DHIYA THIRUMURUGAN

BASIS SAN ANTONIO - SHAVANO

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Dhiya Thirumurugan, a student from San Antonio, proudly serves as your Texas DECA State Vice President. A passionate member since her freshman year, she is a three-time state qualifier and an ICDC Top 20 finalist in the Food Marketing Series. As President of BASIS DECA and former District 2 Vice President, Dhiya has helped introduce a comprehensive chapter handbook and strengthened district-wide communication to better support members. As a Texas DECA Rising Star, Dhiya has developed her leadership, strategic thinking, and public speaking skills. She is deeply committed to empowering others, whether through mentoring new competitors or creating opportunities for members to grow with confidence. Beyond DECA, Dhiya loves dancing, reading, and exploring new cafés and restaurants with her friends. Dhiya is driven by purpose and is honored to serve Texas DECA while motivating members to go the extra mile and reach their full potential.

VICE PRESIDENT

TAD TOLBERT

WAKELAND HIGH SCHOOL

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Tad Tolbert is a junior at Wakeland High School. He currently serves as one of your Texas DECA State Vice Presidents having just finished his term as a district officer for D7. Finalizing top 20 in Independent Business Plan freshman year and since serving in many leadership positions in the organization, he has learned to love DECA for the people it produces and the opportunities it provides. Outside of DECA, he loves to read and run. As a member of the obstacle course racing (OCR) US National Team, he is rarely found at home, often traveling with his dad to run Spartan races and ultramarathons across the world. In the future he hopes to attend MIT and start a photonics-based AI company in order to pursue a new era of research and scientific development. He loves the exploration of new ideas and enjoys talking with people about their passions, so don’t hesitate to reach out!