Frank Peterson

Frank Peterson is the Executive Director of DECA Inc. providing direction to the organization’s strategy and operations. Under his leadership, DECA Inc. annually prepares more than 225,000 emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Peterson brings nearly 15 years of experience at DECA Inc., most recently serving as Acting Executive Director. In the past year, Frank has driven key initiatives at DECA Inc. including the development of a three-year strategic plan in collaboration with the DECA Inc Board of Directors. He values operational efficiency and has worked with internal and external partners to improve the organization’s financial and operational systems. As an advocate for workplace culture, Frank has redeveloped essential human resource processes to provide his team with every tool necessary to succeed. Frank continues to work with educational and business partners to ensure DECA’s programs are relevant in supporting workforce development and to secure funding to provide access to its members. Frank also previously served as the Interim Executive Director from July 2017 through March 2018. Prior to this role, Frank also served as the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, responsible for leading strategic and integrated communications and marketing functions that promote, support and continue to elevate the brand and mission of the organization. In 2010, he played a significant role in the rebranding of the organization by managing the complete redesign of DECA’s collateral and marketing materials. Frank collaborates with various education and association groups on special projects. He is an active member of American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), the Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE), and the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSOs). Throughout his tenure with DECA Inc., Frank has received three ASAE Gold Circle Awards. Frank graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and a minor in communications.