(Columbus, Ohio) April 14, 2022 — The Business Professionals of America (BPA) Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven J. Mitchell as Executive Director/CEO, effective April 28.
Since 2015, Mr. Mitchell has been the Tennessee Department of Education’s state director/advisor for two Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), DECA and FBLA-PBL. In this role, he directed programs and events for more than 350 chapters and over 13,000 students and teachers throughout Tennessee. He has served on DECA Inc.’s Board of Directors since 2020 and has participated in task forces on governance; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and high school competitive events.
Mr. Mitchell began his career in business education as a marketing teacher, Career and Technical Education (CTE) department chair, CTSO advisor, and varsity boys bowling coach at Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tennessee.
“As a classroom teacher, state CTSO leader, and proven state education administrator, Mr. Mitchell brings experience in leading and collaborating with advisors, students, staff, boards, industry partners, and other stakeholders, which positions BPA for growth,” said Dr. Brenda Jacobsen, National BPA’s Board Chair. “The entire Board of Trustees is delighted to welcome him to BPA.”
“Joining the Business Professionals of America staff is truly a dream come true,” said Mr. Mitchell. “I have passionately dedicated more than a decade advocating for CTE students and teachers and CTSO members and advisors, and I am excited to help BPA members and advisors continue to give purpose to their potential.”
Mr. Mitchell earned a B.A. in communications with a marketing minor from the University of Tennessee at Martin, an M.S. in integrated marketing communications from Roosevelt University, and an M.A. in education from Union University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
About Business Professionals of America
Founded in 1966, Business Professionals of America (BPA) is the premier Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for middle, high school, and college students preparing for careers in business, finance, management information systems, and related fields. BPA provides members with opportunities for growth through education, competition, community service, and personal development. The organization has more than 36,000 members in 1,600 chapters across 25 states and Puerto Rico and an international presence in China, Haiti, and Peru. Learn more at www.bpa.org.