North Carolina DECA State President
Brady Hedglin 

Serving as your 2008-2009 North Carolina DECA State President is both an honor and a challenge. Coming from a small town school called Clayton High, I would have never imagined that this dream of mine would ever come true. Along with the love of my family and friends and the hard work and dedication from our State Action Family, I am sure that this year will be a number one hit. DECA has always been a number one priority in my life and will continue to be as I work my way through my senior year and hopefully at East Carolina where I will study to become a marketing teacher and a DECA advisor. NC DECA has given and shown me so much and I can't wait for it to do the same for you. I am originally from Pennsylvania and have a younger brother and sister. I have always been interested in skillful artistic challenges, planning events, and architecture. This summer I worked at a summer camp where I became a jack-of-all-trades. One last interesting fact about me is that I love my dogs, a Husky and a Malamute. Let's get ready to Rock NC DECA. My goal this year is to help you see the Rock Star in you.

Blue Ridge Region Vice-President
Olivia Pitman

Hello! I am Olivia Pitman and I'm very excited to be serving the Blue Ridge Region for the upcoming year! I've been involved with Maiden High School's DECA program since 2007, and appreciate the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given me so much in such a short amount of time. I'll be attending the Lenoir-Rhyne High School Scholars Academy this fall where I'll complete my senior year of high school while still being enrolled at Maiden High School. Along with DECA, I'm in several clubs both in and outside of school including BETA, Student Council, the Catawba County Women's Caucus and the Catawba County United Way Youth Council. I also attend St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Startown. After high school, I plan to attend UNC at Greensboro with a major in Political Science and minor in Communications. When I'm not in school, I spend most of my time at work, a local coffeehouse in Downtown Newton where I've been employed for almost four years. When I'm not working I love spending time with my family and friends. I could read a good book from cover to cover if time allowed, and I can never get enough of reading about politics and watching CNN. I'm really looking forward to working with the state action team over the next year, and am very excited about the upcoming DECA year. It's going to be an awesome time and I can't wait to Rock On with North Carolina DECA!

Cornucopia Region Vice-President
Tripp Bartholomew

Hi there, I am Tripp Bartholowmew and I am the Cornucopia Region Vice-President.  I live in Sunset Beach, North Carolina.  I was first introduced to DECA by former Cornucopia Vice-President Katie Mae Parker and became active in my local chapter.  I was born in Charlotte, but moved to Sunset Beach when I was 13.  My father owns and operates a barbeque restaurant and I have an active role in it.  I will be a senior at West Brunswick High School where I am active in many other extra-curricular activities, such as SGA and NHS, and also am a member of the baseball team.  I have one sister who is three years younger than me, who will be entering high school this year.  After high school, I plan to attend a 4-year university where I wish to pursue a pathway in pre-medicine, and attend a Medical School upon graduation.  Some of my hobbies include golf, which I play often living at the beach and photography.  I also wish to one day receive my private pilot's license.  I enjoy going out on my boat to water ski and fish.  I also wish to one day travel and have been to all parts of the United States and am planning on traveling to Europe next April as well as Colorado this winter.  I look forward to the coming year, and being a part of the 2008 - 2009 NC DECA State Action Team. 

Dixie Pines Region Vice-President
Rachel Donlin

Hi North Carolina DECA! I am Rachel Donlin and I am very excited to be serving as your 2008-2009 Dixie Pines Region Vice President. I currently attend Marvin Ridge High School in Waxhaw, North Carolina (Go Mavericks!!!). I am a senior at Marvin Ridge and will be part of the first graduating class! I became involved in DECA as a freshman, loved every moment of it, and have been coming back ever since. When I’m not at school or doing something DECA related, I love to dance (and have for about 10 years). Also, in my spare time I like to travel, spend time with my family, go to the driving range, and spend time with my friends. After I graduate high school and go off to college, I hope to study both Marketing and International Relations, with hopes of becoming a business lawyer and later a diplomat. I cannot even begin to explain how blessed I feel to be part of the State Action Team and represent North Carolina DECA. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since my first CDC, so I’m thrilled to become part of the NC DECA family and am ready to embrace everything that comes with it. I am looking forward to seeing what this year will bring and I’m very excited to “Rock On” with North Carolina DECA!!!

Metrolina Region Vice-President
Lauren Henkel

Hi, I am Lauren Henkel and I am the 2008-2009 Metrolina Vice President.  I am a senior at North Mecklenburg High School. I got involved in Marketing and DECA my freshmen year when some older students on the volleyball team told me how much fun it was.  My freshmen year in DECA, I would have never imagined being a regional vice president but I am glad the opportunity presented itself. I cannot wait to see what the year has in store for me and the other officers.  I played volleyball for six years and was on the school team but decided to take a break and now I only play for fun on recreational teams.  I also enjoy playing tennis but I admit I’m not the best.  I am originally from Ohio but moved to North Carolina when I was three.  My dream is to travel the world and experience all the different cultures.  I hope to one day attend the University of South Carolina and major in International Business and spend at least one semester studying abroad.  My family means everything to me and I would be no where without the support of my mom.  I try to live life to the fullest, see the bright side of every situation, and have no regrets.

Triad Region Vice-President
Darryl Bellamy


Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your 2008-2009 Triad Region Vice President. Many of my friends call me DECA Darryl. I am an alumnus of Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School and this fall will be attending University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I plan to double major in Marketing and Management.

I was born in Philadelphia, moved to Chicago and my family ended our traveling in Raleigh. I have three siblings - two older sisters and one younger brother. My hobbies include bowling, golf and spending time laughing with family and friends. I also enjoy watching my Philadelphia Eagles win. When I want to relax I enjoy reading books on self improvement and leadership.

If you have any questions throughout the year or would like me to assist feel free to contact me. My job is to serve you this year in any way possible!