2026-2027 ND DECA State Officer Team
Meet Team 75
As a team, it is our mission is to strengthen North Dakota DECA by cultivating an exciting, innovative, and community-oriented space for all members!
We are excited to serve the members of North Dakota and help create lasting resources to make our chapters stronger at the local level. If we can do anything to help you or your Chapter get more out of your DECA year, please reach out! We want to hear from you.
Adopt-a-Chapter Program
Team Goals
Goal 1
MEMBERSHIP
- Quarterly state-wide virtual meeting
- Engage members through social media once a week
- Grow membership to 1200
- Adopt-a-chapter every month virtually
Goal 2
INNOVATION
- Exposing all chapters to at least one business experience through DECA Alumni
- Quarterly state-wide virtual meeting
- adopt-a-chapter every month virtually
Goal 3
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
- Publish a monthly newsletter
- Encourage and support chapter to complete at least one community service campaign
- A community fundraising event throughout the year
Goal 4
ADVOCACY
- Encourage all chapters to complete the February Advocacy campaign
- North Dakota DECA appear on the news twice with an in person interview
- Host a workshop to teach members to advocate for DECA
Goal 5
PARTNERSHIP
- Complete one new state fundraiser
- Two new state partnerships
- Encourage all chapters to promote DECA through one local business
Michael Schill
President
Michael is a Senior at Grand Forks Central Highschool and is a 4th-year DECA Member. Outside of DECA, Michael is also a North Dakota Swimming athlete representative. He is also involved in Cross Country, National Honor Society, Orchestra, and Volunteers with the Grand Cites Children’s Choir. His favorite DECA memory is going to Orlando Florida for the International Career Development Conference in 2025. He plans to pursue a degree in psychology and social work. His parents are Mark and Janna Schill.
Annabelle Paulson
Vice President of Organization
Annabelle is a Junior at Jamestown High School and is a third year DECA member. Outside of DECA , Annabelle is involved in Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Volleyball and Softball. She works at a daycare, and volunteers with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as a teen advocate. Annabelle’s favorite DECA memory is attending ICDC in 2026 in Atlanta. Her plan after high school is to go into Pediatric Nursing. Her parents are Brian and Erin Paulson.
Arley Garrison
Vice President of Marketing
Arley is a Junior at Minot High School and is a third year DECA member. Outside of DECA she is involved in NHS, Student Council, Track and works at the Magic City International Dragway. Her favorite DECA memory is getting elected for her State Officer Position. Her future plans include going to UPenn for corporate law and creating her own networking app for High School CTSO club members. Her parents are Angie and Cole Garrison.
Bella Tesch
Vice President of Hospitality
Bella is a senior at Davies High School and is a fourth- year DECA member. Outside of DECA, Bella is involved in National Honor Society, PaY Core Team, Key Club, tennis, and a basketball manager for the Davies boy’s team. She is also employed at two jobs including Hair Success and Beans Coffee. Her favorite part of DECA is meeting new people and building connections at the International Career Development Conference. Bella’s plans post grad are to attend a coastal university majoring in Marketing or Entrepreneurship. Her mom is Jennifer Tesch.
Grace Bugbee
Vice President of Finance
Grace is a senior at Mandan High school and is a fourth year DECA member. Outside of DECA, Grace works as a lifeguard and is involved in National Honors Society, Softball, and Trinity Lutheran Youth Group. Her favorite DECA memory is Mr. Fry dancing in front of the Minions at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Her future plans are to go to college in-state for nursing. Her parents are Joe and Jaclyn Hall.
Katherine Mahli
Vice President of Leadership
Katherine is a senior at Fargo South High School. She is actively involved in a variety of activities, serving as a Bruin Ambassador, participating in Key Club, and competing on the varsity soccer team. Outside of school, Katherine volunteers with Friends of Chimbote, a nonprofit organization, works as a hostess at Doolittles, and is also a nanny. One of Katherine’s favorite DECA memories was attending ICDC, where she enjoyed spending time at the beach and attending the FPS steak dinner in Atlanta, Georgia. These experiences allowed her to connect with other members and create lasting memories. After graduation, Katherine plans to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison to study Nutrition and Business. She is excited to combine her interests in health, wellness, and entrepreneurship as she pursues her future career goals. Katherine is the daughter of Dan and Kim Mahli.
Kinsley Martens
Vice President of Career Development
Kinsley is a senior from Wahpeton High School. She is a 3rd-year DECA member. Outside of DECA, Kinsley is a student council officer, sources of strength lead, varsity volleyball statistician and club volleyball coach, A-honor roll student, and much more. She is an employee at Lovin’ Nutrition and Tangled hair Studio. Her favorite DECA memory was roaming downtown Atlanta with the Wahpeton Chapter. Kinsley’s future plans include finishing her Associates degree in Business Administration and Finance from NDSCS and then attending The Salon Professional Academy for cosmetology in hopes to open her own hair studio. Her mother is Sherri Bernard.