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2025-2026 State Officer Team


2025-26 State Officer Team

State Officer Team

Lead Tennessee. Serve Others. Leave a Legacy.

The SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary State Officer Team represents the highest level of student leadership within our state association.

Statewide Student Leadership

Representing Members Across Tennessee

State officers lead conferences, advocate for Career and Technical Education, represent the association at state and national events, support local chapters, and inspire students throughout the year.

Officers receive extensive leadership training while developing communication, professionalism, teamwork, strategic planning, public speaking, advocacy, and servant leadership skills.

2026 State Officer Team

Meet Tennessee's Student Leaders

These officers represent SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary members across the state while developing the leadership, technical, workplace, and professional skills needed for future success.

President

Louis Rey “Lou” Valenzuela II

Pellissippi State Community College
Electrical Engineering Technology

Lou plans to build a career in electrical engineering that allows him to travel the world with his family while making a meaningful impact in the industry.

Fun fact: He has visited Disneyland 72 times and Walt Disney World five times and is always ready to discuss his favorite rides and food spots.

Eastern Regional Vice President

Alexis Dubé

Cosmetology Student
Local SkillsUSA Chapter President

Alexis plans to become a salon owner and create a space that empowers others to feel confident and capable.

Fun fact: Becoming a mother changed the way she understands leadership.

Middle Tennessee Regional Vice President

Mason Adcock

TCAT Hartsville
Computer Information Technology

Mason's goal is to become a system administrator who bridges complex infrastructure with user-centered innovation. He has represented Tennessee at the Washington Leadership Training Institute and advocates for technical mentorship.

Fun fact: He is a two-time SkillsUSA Tennessee T-shirt Design Champion and enjoys working on his golf game.

West Tennessee Regional Vice President

Elizabeth “Liz” Ilko

TCAT Henry/Carroll
HVAC/R

Liz plans to become a successful commercial technician and eventually own her own business.

Fun fact: She enjoys playing airsoft in her free time.

Secretary

Gaby Dávila

TCAT Memphis
Computer-Aided Design

Gaby plans to use her technical skills in a career in mechanical drafting while serving as a supportive leader in manufacturing. The mentors who shaped her life inspire her to encourage younger generations.

Fun fact: She enjoys paddleboarding and observing Tennessee wildlife at her county's largest urban park.

Treasurer

Casey Smith

TCAT Chattanooga State
Collision Repair

Casey's goal is to become a custom motorcycle mechanic and painter while developing a broad range of technical skills.

Fun fact: Casey enjoys riding a Harley and playing pool on weekends.

Reporter

Hayden Sherwood

TCAT Knoxville
Auto Collision

Hayden enjoys working on cars, repairing and improving them, and continuing to build the hands-on skills needed for a career in the automotive field.

Fun fact: He enjoys fishing, hiking, and spending time outdoors.

Historian

Shaya Smith

TCAT Oneida/Huntsville
Cosmetology

Shaya serves as president of her local chapter and plans to become a cosmetology instructor and salon owner.

Fun fact: She has many creative hobbies, including making clay jewelry, painting, and drawing.

Parliamentarian

Jacob Potter

TCAT Knoxville
Automotive Service Technology

Jacob's long-term goal is to become a Porsche Certified Automotive Service Technician.

Fun fact: He has been nationally ranked and ranked first statewide as a competitive steel shooter in high school and college leagues.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 Team

New Officer Titles and Leadership Portfolios

Beginning with the 2026-2027 State Officer Team, several traditional officer titles will transition into broader leadership portfolios. Students are elected to the State Officer Team first. Individual positions are then assigned during the State Officer Leadership Retreat based on each officer's strengths, leadership style, interests, experience, and the needs of the organization.

One Team. Shared Responsibility.

Each portfolio identifies a primary area of leadership, but every officer is expected to lead, support teammates, complete assignments, represent the association professionally, and serve members across Tennessee.

PresidentChief Student Representative

The President provides overall student leadership for the State Officer Team and serves as the chief student representative of SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary.

  • Leads the State Officer Team and helps maintain a unified direction.
  • Facilitates officer meetings and team discussions.
  • Represents the association at state and national events.
  • Works closely with the State Director, advisors, and coaches.
  • Supports all portfolios and helps ensure the team fulfills its responsibilities.
Vice President, East RegionEast Tennessee Student Voice

Represents members and chapters throughout East Tennessee. 

  • Attends regional meetings and activities when available.
  • Builds relationships with local chapter officers and advisors.
  • Promotes statewide conferences, training, and leadership opportunities.
  • Brings regional student concerns, ideas, and successes to the State Officer Team.
  • Encourages participation and engagement across East Tennessee.
Vice President, Middle RegionMiddle Tennessee Student Voice

Represents members and chapters throughout Middle Tennessee.

  • Attends regional meetings and activities when available.
  • Builds relationships with local chapter officers and advisors.
  • Promotes statewide conferences, training, and leadership opportunities.
  • Brings regional student concerns, ideas, and successes to the State Officer Team.
  • Encourages participation and engagement across Middle Tennessee.
Vice President, West RegionWest Tennessee Student Voice

Represents members and chapters throughout West Tennessee. 

  • Attends regional meetings and activities when available.
  • Builds relationships with local chapter officers and advisors.
  • Promotes statewide conferences, training, and leadership opportunities.
  • Brings regional student concerns, ideas, and successes to the State Officer Team.
  • Encourages participation and engagement across West Tennessee.
Vice President of AdministrationSecretary Functions, Planning, and Team Organization

The Vice President of Administration carries forward the work traditionally completed by the Secretary while expanding responsibility for the internal organization and effectiveness of the State Officer Team.

  • Records and maintains meeting minutes.
  • Supports agendas, planning documents, and officer records.
  • Tracks assignments, deadlines, and follow-up responsibilities.
  • Helps coordinate meetings, schedules, and team communication.
  • Supports the administrative organization of statewide initiatives.
Vice President of FinanceSkillsUSA Store, Fundraising, and Scholarship Support

The Vice President of Finance expands the traditional Treasurer role by leading student-facing fundraising and financial stewardship initiatives. 

  • Helps coordinate the SkillsUSA Tennessee Store. 
  • Supports fundraising initiatives for the SkillsUSA Tennessee Scholarship Fund.
  • Promotes responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
  • Assists with fundraising campaigns, promotions, and student awareness.
  • Helps communicate the purpose and impact of the scholarship fund.
Vice President of CommunicationsSocial Media, Podcasts, and Storytelling

The Vice President of Communications expands the traditional Reporter role into a statewide communications and digital engagement portfolio.

  • Supports official social media content and campaigns.
  • Assists with podcasts and digital storytelling projects.
  • Highlights student, advisor, chapter, alumni, and industry stories.
  • Promotes statewide events, programs, and leadership opportunities.
  • Supports website, publication, and Champions Magazine content when assigned.
Vice President of GovernanceParliamentarian Functions, Ethics, and Accountability

The Vice President of Governance carries forward the traditional Parliamentarian role while expanding leadership in ethical governance and organizational accountability.

  • Advises the team on parliamentary procedure.
  • Supports the Constitution, Bylaws, and governance processes.
  • Promotes ethical leadership, accountability, and professional conduct.
  • Assists with officer elections, meetings, and formal procedures.
  • Helps the team understand how responsible governance supports the association.
Vice President of History and RecordsHistorian Functions, Archives, and Legacy

The Vice President of History and Records preserves the work traditionally completed by the Historian while expanding responsibility for organizational memory and documentation. 

  • Documents officer activities, events, and major accomplishments.
  • Maintains historical records, photographs, and milestone information.
  • Captures the story and impact of the team's year of service.
  • Supports annual reports, archives, and recognition projects.
  • Preserves materials for future officers, members, and organizational leaders.

Specialized Leadership Appointments

Student Chairs

Student Chairs are appointed by the State Officer Election Committee to provide additional leadership capacity for statewide initiatives, special projects, and strategic priorities. Their assignments may vary from year to year based on organizational needs and the strengths of the students selected.

Conference Leadership

SLSC Opening Ceremony

Supports planning, scripts, rehearsals, staging, student participation, and production coordination for the State Leadership and Skills Conference Opening Ceremony.

Recognition Leadership

Awards and Recognition Banquet

Supports banquet planning, recognition activities, student participation, presentations, rehearsals, and event execution.

Recognition Leadership

Grand Awards

Supports the Grand Awards Ceremony through stage management, scripts, rehearsals, award presentation, student roles, and production coordination.

Workforce Leadership

Industry Partners

Supports relationships with business and industry partners through outreach, partner appreciation, workforce initiatives, TECHSPO engagement, sponsorship support, and networking opportunities.

Member Experience

Student Engagement Initiatives

Develops initiatives that increase student participation, chapter engagement, statewide communication, and meaningful involvement in SkillsUSA programs and events.

Flexible Assignment

Special Projects

Leads other projects assigned by the State Director or State Officer Election Committee, including pilot programs, strategic initiatives, leadership projects, or emerging organizational priorities.

Flexible by design: Student Chair assignments may be added, modified, combined, or retired as the needs of SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary evolve.

Why Become a State Officer?

The Ultimate Student Leadership Experience

Lead

Represent SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary at conferences, ceremonies, and statewide programs.

Serve

Support students, advisors, chapters, and institutions through training, outreach, and conference leadership.

Grow

Develop leadership, communication, professionalism, teamwork, advocacy, and problem-solving skills.

Network

Build relationships with student leaders, advisors, industry partners, state leaders, and SkillsUSA National.

State Officers at a Glance

One Team Serving the Entire Association

State officers help plan and deliver conferences, SkillsUSA Week, College Signing Day, chapter engagement, advocacy, and statewide recognition.

9 Student Leaders 37 Community Colleges and TCATs Represented 16000 plus Members Served 1 Mission

What State Officers Do

Leadership Through Service

Represent SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary throughout the year.
Lead conferences, ceremonies, workshops, and student sessions.
Advocate for Career and Technical Education and workforce development.
Promote membership, engagement, and chapter growth.
Support students, advisors, and institutions across Tennessee.
Serve as ambassadors at state and national events.
Model professionalism, teamwork, communication, and servant leadership.

Leadership Development Continuum

State Office Builds on Earlier Leadership Experiences

Students may begin through chapter involvement, jumpSTART, WLTI, TLTI, competition participation, or chapter leadership before advancing into statewide service.

Leadership Development Continuum

State Officer Election Committee

Selecting Tennessee's Student Leaders

The State Officer Election Committee evaluates candidates and helps identify the students best prepared to represent SkillsUSA Tennessee College/Postsecondary. The committee conducts structured interviews, scores candidate performance, reviews multiple measures of leadership readiness, and helps determine the officer assignments that best match each student's strengths and the needs of the team.

01

Candidate Interviews

Committee members conduct structured interviews and evaluate communication, professionalism, leadership potential, preparation, and readiness to serve.

02

Comprehensive Evaluation

The selection process considers the candidate interview, SkillsUSA knowledge, student delegate voting, professionalism, and overall leadership readiness. Specific weighting may be adjusted as the program evolves.

03

Team Selection

The committee looks beyond individual performance to identify students who can work together as a professional, balanced, and service-focused leadership team.

04

Portfolio Assignment

Following the election, the committee helps determine officer titles and Student Chair appointments based on strengths, interests, experience, leadership style, and organizational needs.

Held Each November

State Officer Leadership Retreat

SOLR marks the official beginning of the newly selected team's year of service. It is separate from the election process and gives officers time to move from individual candidates into a unified leadership team prepared to serve Tennessee.

Team Development

Officers build trust, establish shared expectations, create team values, strengthen communication, and begin forming a unified team identity.

Leadership Development

Officers explore servant leadership, the SkillsUSA Framework, professional standards, the State Officer Guide, and the responsibilities of statewide service.

Strategic Planning

The team develops SMART goals, discusses annual priorities, establishes its vision, and begins planning major conferences and statewide initiatives.

Communication and Collaboration

True Colors, guided reflection, scenario work, and team discussions help officers understand how to communicate, solve problems, and support one another.

Leadership Traditions

The pinning ceremony, leadership commitment, team photographs, campfire reflection, and team identity activities mark the transition into statewide leadership.

Camp LEAD Experience

Outdoor challenges, teamwork activities, problem-solving experiences, and structured debriefs help officers build confidence and learn through experience.

By the End of SOLR, Officers Have:

Established team values and expectations. Accepted their statewide leadership responsibilities. Begun work within their assigned leadership portfolios. Created shared goals and standards for the year. Developed stronger trust, communication, and team identity. Started preparing for conferences, advocacy, and statewide service.

State Officer Training

A Full Year of Leadership Development

SOLR

State Officer Leadership Retreat

Build trust, strengthen communication, understand expectations, and prepare for the year ahead.

December & January

Winter Training

Prepare for ceremonies, presentations, advocacy, parliamentary procedure, and statewide service.

February Through May

Spring Training

Prepare for SLSC, chapter engagement, public speaking, facilitation, and recognition events.

NLSC & Leverage

National Preparation

Prepare to represent Tennessee nationally and participate in advanced leadership development.

Become a State Officer

Selection Through Leadership, Knowledge, and Service

State officers are selected through a comprehensive process that includes an application, candidate orientation, written examination, interview, and election by the House of Delegates.

1Application Review
2Candidate Orientation
3Written Examination
4Interview
5House of Delegates Election

What We Look For

Character, Professionalism, and Readiness to Serve

LeadershipServant LeadershipProfessionalism CommunicationTeamworkIntegrity CommitmentSkillsUSA KnowledgeGrowth Mindset Readiness to Serve

Candidate Resources

Prepare Before You Apply

Candidates should review the application guide, bylaws, and program expectations before applying.

State Officer Training Resources

Agendas, Packing Lists, and Photo Galleries

March Training

Agenda Coming Soon Packing List Coming Soon
2025-26 Officer Team

Governance & Resources

Program Expectations and Association Governance

The State Officer Program operates under the association's Constitution, Bylaws, and State Officer Program Guide.