Nate Keeney | North Atlantic Region Vice President Not only is this your NARVP Nate Keeney’s fifth year in DECA, his ambition for the future is to teach sports and entertainment marketing and be a DECA advisor—proving, as it has for so many, that once DECA gets in your blood, it’s hard to let go! We’re thrilled that this dedicated officer sees DECA as a part of his long-term future as he attends Johnson and Wales University in Providence, R.I. Hailing from Northampton, Pa., where he attended Northampton High School, Nate tells us that: “From day one, I knew that DECA was going to be a positive influence in my life.” During his time with Northampton DECA, Nate competed in numerous chapter team events. He took special interest in the Entrepreneurship Promotion Project, earning multiple awards in that event. Throughout his four years as a member at Northampton, Nate’s dedication earned him a position as his chapter treasurer, vice president and then co-president. At the age of six, Nate was diagnosed with diabetes. Since then, he has been deeply involved to help the diabetic community. From fundraising walks to educational speeches, Nate tries to spread the word to educate people about living with diabetes. He has had the pleasure of combining his two passions—DECA and diabetes education. In 2009, Pennsylvania DECA chapters fundraised for the ADA’s support in its camp for kids with diabetes program as its charity of choice. Nate also currently works as a diabetic camp counselor in the summer, giving back to kids with diabetes.
Brennan Boehne | Western Region Vice President Country-music-loving, Brennan Boehne (pronounced BAY-knee) was thrilled when Lady Antebellum, one of his favorite groups, was slated to give a private concert at the 2010 DECA International Career Development Conference. But even that experience was outdone when he won the election to be this year’s WRVP and knew that he would be able to help carry the message of how being involved in DECA can help members “Expand their Network!” Brennan attended Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch, Colo., where he served as a DECA chapter officer as well as the 2009–2010 Colorado DECA District 11 Regional Vice President. Brennan earned the title of “Most Involved” senior in his graduating class, because not only did he actively participate in numerous organizations, but also, as an avid sports fan, he attended as many of the school’s sporting events as possible. Brennan is honored to have been selected to travel to Ethiopia this fall because of his fundraising efforts for Project Mercy, a foundation that offers aid to Ethiopian children. To make sure he can devote this coming year to DECA, Brennan has decided to postpone his first year of college, but his future plans include attaining his Juris Doctrate in sports law so he can become a successful sports agent for the MLB, NBA and NFL. 8
DECA DIMENSIONS | September–October 2010