Hey NJ DECA! My name is Jude Palazzo, and I’m honored to serve as your State President this year on Team 66! I’m a senior at Kingsway Regional High School, and I’m excited for everything this year has in store. When I joined DECA as a freshman, I never imagined how much this organization would shape my high school experience through leadership, development, and lifelong connections. Every conference and opportunity has helped me grow into the person I am today. Having the privilege to serve as your State President this year is something I will always remember and I am looking forward to making this year in NJ DECA one of the best yet. It’s extremely important to me that every member has the opportunity to make the most of their DECA journey by creating meaningful experiences and lasting connections. Whether this is your first year or your last, I hope you leave with unforgettable memories and new experiences. I can’t wait to meet so many of you throughout the year, so feel free to reach out anytime at (decapres@njdeca.org) or on Instagram (@deca.jude)!
Klaire Keogh
Vice President of Media
Hi NJ DECA! My name is Klaire Keogh, and I am so excited to serve as your Vice President of Media for Team 66! I’m a senior at Cranford High School, and I first joined DECA as a freshman without realizing just how much it would shape my high school experience. Through DECA, I’ve discovered a passion for leadership, marketing, and storytelling while creating lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories at SCDC and ICDC. After serving as my chapter’s Vice President of Media, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to now serve New Jersey DECA at the state level. This year, I’m excited to showcase the amazing accomplishments of our members, strengthen connections between chapters, and help every member feel inspired to get involved. I can’t wait to meet all of you at COLT, Districts, SCDC, and ICDC and create more lasting memories alongside each of you. If you ever have any questions or just want to connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out at decavpmedia@njdeca.org or on Instagram @deca.klaire. Here’s to an unforgettable year!
Serwaa Barwuah
Southern Region Vice President
Hi New Jersey DECA! My name is Serwaa Barwuah, and I’m so excited to serve as your Southern Region Vice President for the 2026-2027 school year! I’m a senior at Northern Burlington County Regional High School, and since joining DECA, I’ve grown in ways I never expected. I’ve had the opportunity to compete, qualify for ICDC, serve as my chapter’s Vice President of Marketing (current president), and meet so many incredible people along the way. This year, I hope every member takes advantage of everything DECA has to offer. Whether it’s your first conference or your last, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, meet new people, and make the most of every opportunity. As your Southern Region Vice President, I’m excited to support our chapters, connect with members across the region, and help make this an amazing year. I can’t wait to connect with all of you throughout the year! Feel free to reach out anytime at decasrvp@njdeca.org or on Instagram @deca.serwaa. Let’s make it a great year together!
Yaseen Chowdhry
Central Region Vice President
Hey NJ Deca! My name is Yaseen, and I am super excited to serve as your 2026-2027 Central Region Vice President! I’m currently a senior at Freehold Township Highschool in Monmouth, and joining Deca has definitely been one of the best experiences and decisions I’ve made. Over the past few years, Deca challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, whether that meant competing, collecting ribbons, talking to other people, or even campaigning. The best part of this club is that the people you meet and the confidence you build stay with you for the rest of your life, and can go much further than the competition itself. As one of your VP’s, my goal is to help every type of member create positive experiences in their Deca journey, no matter if you’re attending your first Districts or trying to place in your last ICDC. I can’t wait to meet you all during the year, so if you ever have any questions (like running for state office) or just want to ask a question about Deca, feel free to reach out to me at decarvp@njdeca.org or on Instagram @decayaseen! Again, I can’t wait to meet you all!
Alexa Katsaros
Northern Region Vice President
Hi NJ DECA! My name is Alexa Katsaros, and I am a senior at Ridgewood High School. I am honored and excited to serve as Team 66’s Northern Region Vice President. Over the past three years, DECA has afforded me countless opportunities to develop professional skills, build lasting friendships, and create unforgettable memories at SCDC and ICDC. Those experiences inspired me to give back to an organization that has shaped me in so many ways. As a state officer, my goal is to help every member feel connected, supported, and inspired to make the most of their DECA journey. I am incredibly grateful for the chance to serve a second year on the state officer team and look forward to meeting all of you at upcoming conferences and competitions. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out by email (decanrvp@njdeca.org) or on Instagram (@deca_alexa_). See you soon!
Jude Palazzo
Klaire Keogh
