Shirlee Kyle

For more than 25 years, Shirlee Kyle has enhanced DECA and its mission with her dedication, leadership and compassion. Shirlee currently serves as the assistant executive director for the high school division with major roles in conference planning, contracts and relationships.

Under her leadership, every aspect of the high school division has grown. Her organization and devotion manifested an increase in the level of sophistication in DECA’s Competitive Events Program and increase in the size and scope of the International Career Development Conference. Shirlee has increased membership and developed new conferences and programs to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. Her relationship with chartered association advisors and constituents ensures a high level of quality in the service provided.

Joining DECA in 1989 as Colorado DECA’s chartered association advisor, Shirlee gained the respect from many DECA student members, advisors and colleagues as she began to make an impact at both the state and international levels over the course of 10 years. While in Colorado, Shirlee served on several DECA Inc. councils and hosted two high school and college International Career Development Conferences in Denver.

In 1999, Shirlee joined the DECA Inc. staff as director of DECA’s High School Division, successfully spearheading efforts to develop high school membership and participation internationally. Her strategic thinking and commitment to DECA’s mission and principles have made Shirlee an invaluable asset as she served as staff liaison to countless committees, task forces and councils. She provided a voice of the student members and chapter advisors in discussions. Shirlee became the assistant executive director for the high school division programs in 2007.