New York Deca

“The organization became aware of a significant diversion of the organization's assets during the year. Since december 2015, an officer of nydeca, while a fiduciary of deca ny, improperly diverted at least $1,717,503.90. This malfeasance was discovered after said officer passed away in november of 2022. This was primarily done through checks written to the officer's children, and atm withdrawals, along with some other purchases that were not related to nydeca. The following financial controls have been strengthened and included moving forward: - conduct monthly reviews of bank statements and reconciliations of bank accounts. - separate check-signing and deposit duties. - present current financial statements at each regular board meeting. - review budget-to-actual conference income and expenses at appropriate intervals. - establish an enhanced expense reimbursement process. - prohibit opening or using any corporate credit or debit card. - require two signatures on all checks above an appropriate threshold. - obtain an annual audit from a qualified accounting firm.”

“New york deca is a membership organization for secondary and postsecondary students. Student members of a school form a chapter led by their teacher called a "chapter advisor". Most of the state departments of education manage or facilitate the activities or chapters within their own states. State deca board members are either designated by the department or elected by the deca constituents. The important decisions of the board reflect the consensus of chapter advisors and department officers.”

“If more people apply for an open seat on the board than there are seats to fill, their region (the advisors within that region) gets to vote on who fills the vacant seat.”

“Changes to the new york deca constitution must be voted on by the membership.”

“Form 990 is prepared by an outside accounting firm and is reviewed by the board chairperson prior to filing.”

“These documents and statements are available for public inspection upon request.”