Meet your Executive Council Candidates
Meet the candidates that are running to be Texas BPA's
Executive Officer Candidates!
Chapter advisors will be receiving an email with login credentials shortly before the start of the election at 12:00 pm on February 16, 2026. Each chapter will receive 2 (two) votes.
The Election Portal will be open until 6:00 pm CST on February 18, 2026.
Secondary Executive Candidates
Robert Benavidez
Look past new horizons! Hello Texas BPA, my name is Robert Benavidez and I’m extremely excited to announce my candidacy for the 2026-2027 Executive Council. Now it’s time to rise with purpose. As an Executive Council candidate, my mission is to create opportunities through scholarships, and service while strengthening communication among chapters, expanding membership, and celebrating every member. With focused strategies for professional growth and alumni engagement, BPA can grow stronger and more inclusive. Together, we won’t just face the future, we’ll start to shape it. Let’s be the spark that ignites change and rise together with Robert!
- How do you define and describe your leadership style?
My leadership style can be described in one word: service. By putting others first and listening with purpose while building trust and collaboration, I believe strong leaders serve their community and empower others to grow and succeed.
- What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
Service, integrity, and empathy are the values that guide my leadership. Supporting others and strengthening the community is always my focus. For me, leadership is the ability to motivate people and create meaningful lasting change through a shared purpose.
- What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
One of my biggest accomplishments as a BPA member is proudly serving as the Area 2 Region 1 Regional President. Through this experience, I was able to support chapters across the region, inspire initiative, and create memories that actively strengthened our community while making a lasting positive impact.
- What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
As an Executive Officer, my main goal is to empower every member to reach their full potential. Overall, my primary focus is to encourage members to take on opportunities that challenge them. Seeing members succeed and knowing I played a part in their growth is what makes serving so rewarding. - How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
Creating a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment starts with staying connected and checking in with team members. Encouraging everyone to share ideas, support each other, and take ownership of projects builds trust and keeps the team motivated to succeed together.
- How do you approach conflict resolution?
As a servant leader I approach conflict by listening to everyone involved and understanding their perspective. Staying calm and focusing on common ground helps find solutions that benefit the group. Furthermore, I address issues respectfully which ultimately strengthens relationships and keeps the team moving forward.
Jerrod Joseph
My name is Jerrod Joseph, and I am honored to be a candidate for National Executive Officer. BPA has shaped my growth as a leader, from chapter Vice President to Regional President, and shown me the true power of connection and service. If elected, I will focus on strengthening communication, expanding access to leadership opportunities, and ensuring every member feels supported and empowered. A picture is not complete because the pieces are the same, it’s complete because they fit together. By connecting members, resources, and recognition– piece by piece, we build a united BPA community where every student leads with purpose.
- How do you define and describe your leadership style?
I lead through servant leadership, prioritizing members’ needs and removing barriers. By listening, sharing resources, and collaborating, I empower others to innovate. Strong leadership means uplifting the team, fostering shared responsibility, and focusing on collective success. - What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
I lead with integrity, accountability, and collaboration. Transparency and active listening build trust, while ensuring every voice is heard. I strive to create an environment where members feel respected, supported, and confident to take risks and innovate. - What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
My biggest accomplishment in BPA has been helping members in my chapter and region succeed through guidance, resources, and encouragement. Seeing them grow into confident leaders and achieve their goals has been the most rewarding part of my experience. - What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
As an Executive Council member, my goal is to ensure every member and advisor feels connected, empowered, and inspired. I aim to strengthen communication, expand support systems, and help BPA prepare students for success, piece by piece. - How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
Successful virtual teamwork requires intentional communication and trust. I’d implement clear standards, regular check-ins, and open forum sessions for creative brainstorming, keeping the team aligned, engaged, and supported even across distances. - How do you approach conflict resolution?
I see conflict as an opportunity to improve processes. By separating the issue from the person, listening to all perspectives, and facilitating solution focused dialogue, I aim to resolve conflicts in ways that strengthen the team and achieve shared goals.
Madilynne Rangel
Ready for takeoff means being prepared, focused, and committed to the people you serve. As chapter president, I have worked to support our members, strengthen communication, and lead with accountability. I understand the importance of organization, ensuring ideas lead to action, ensuring every member's voice is heard, and collaboration at every level of BPA. If elected, I will bring experience, reliability, and a member-focused approach to leadership. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more connected BPA and move confidently towards our shared goals.
- How do you define and describe your leadership style?
My leadership style is collaborative and inclusive, empowering individuals to leverage their unique strengths. I encourage open communication, seek diverse perspectives, and promote mentorship to help others build confidence and leadership skills through guidance, meaningful feedback, and hands-on opportunities. - What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
Integrity, empathy, and accountability define my leadership. Integrity guides honest decisions, empathy helps me understand diverse perspectives, and accountability ensures I own my actions. These values foster a respectful and transparent environment where individuals thrive.
- What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
My biggest accomplishment has been serving as Regional Vice President, coordinating regional and state competitions while fostering member engagement and collaboration. Additionally, seeing my peers and members grow and succeed remains my proudest achievement. - What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
My most important goal as an Executive Officer is to ensure every BPA member feels valued and supported in their journey. I aim to foster strong bonds, collaboration, and innovation to empower members to thrive. By creating opportunities for mentorship and leadership, I will promote both personal and personal growth. - How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
To create a collaborative environment, I would establish clear communication, promote regular meetings, and foster spaces for connection and team building. By encouraging transparency and addressing challenges promptly, I would maintain an inclusive and productive environment where everyone feels engaged and connected. - How do you approach conflict resolution?
I approach conflict resolution by listening to all perspectives with empathy, identifying common ground, and fostering respectful discussions to find effective solutions. I believe in maintaining open communication and creating a safe environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing concerns.
Pranav Singhal
If elected to the Executive Council, I will ensure every BPA member feels supported, informed, and empowered to succeed. I will strengthen communication between chapters and national leadership, provide mentorship opportunities, and create accessible resources for competitions and professional growth. I bring experience in chapter leadership, project coordination, and team development. My focus will be on fostering collaboration, building confidence, and promoting service engagement across all chapters. By connecting members, guiding their growth, and providing clear pathways for success, I will work to ensure BPA continues to be an organization where every student can compete, thrive, and lead.
- How do you define and describe your leadership style?
My leadership style focuses on service, collaboration, and adaptability. I aim to empower others, provide guidance, and encourage growth. I lead by example, promote accountability, and solve problems. I listen actively and plan strategically to help teams succeed while helping individuals build leadership skills. - What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
The values of Integrity, service, and accountability guide my leadership. I value fairness, transparency, and growth. I work to build trust through consistency and open communication. Collaboration is central to my leadership, as I strive to create a positive environment where everyone can contribute and succeed together. - What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
My biggest accomplishment in BPA has been earning a Top 20 National placement in Financial Portfolio Management and qualifying for the presentation round. More importantly, the experience helped me develop my technical and soft skills. It pushed me to grow both as a competitor and a leader in BPA. - What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
My main goal is to ensure all members feel supported, informed, and confident. I hope to improve communication between leadership and chapters, expand access to resources, and provide mentorship. I want to help students, especially first-time members, grow in BPA, while promoting career readiness and meaningful service. - How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
I will build a collaborative virtual environment by keeping communication clear, setting expectations, and encouraging participation. Regular check-ins, recognition of contributions, and mentorship are key aspects. By focusing on openness, inclusion, and goals, I will help the team work well together and achieve success. - How do you approach conflict resolution?
I approach conflict by listening to all perspectives and shared goals. I stay calm, guide the discussion, and look for solutions that work for everyone. I focus on fairness and understanding, aiming for outcomes that strengthen relationships, encourage accountability, and support service within the team.
Post-Secondary Executive Candidates
Ashland Hooten
I am running for Business Professionals of America officer to bring, organization, energy, and results. I was to push others to grow professionally through workshops and guest speakers. I also want to push for stronger contest preparation. I value teamwork, clear communication, and honesty. I will ensure members feel informed and supported. I will do this through community service, networking, and professionalism. I am reliable, motivated, and a good listener. If elected, I will make sure to take action, help others, and make sure BPA is an engaging, rewarding experience for everyone through leadership, enthusiasm, and service.
- How do you define and describe your leadership style?
I would describe my leadership style as approachable. I am all about open communication and honesty. If you need something, I am here for you! I believe that everything we do is better as a team effort, and I want to be as helpful as possible. I would also say I am well organized, and positive. - What are the most important values that you demonstrate as a leader?
The most important values I demonstrate as a leader are honesty, communication, and positivity. I think being honest is important to build trust. Communication is important because I like to make sure everyone is on the same page and level of understanding. I believe that being positive can create a better environment. - What is your biggest accomplishment as a member of BPA?
My biggest accomplishment is being the President of my chapter in high school. This let me meet so many people and learn how to be a strong leader. My other biggest accomplishment is competing at Nationals for the past 3 years and winning 1st in Prepared Speech in 2023. I love getting to travel and seeing others win too. - What is the most important goal you wish to achieve in service as an Executive Officer?
The most important goal I wish to achieve in service is community. I want everyone to feel welcome, supported, and enthusiastic throughout their time in BPA. I want members to feel like they can succeed. One of my favorite parts of BPA is travelling and making new friends. I want to bring barriers down between chapters. - How can you create a culture of collaboration in a virtual environment to ensure a successful team?
I can create a culture of collaboration by making it fun and being attentive. I am part of the Texas Virtual Chapter, so I know what it is like to be in a virtual environment. I would send out reminders to ensure deadlines are met, and ask the team how to make things most effective. I would have meetings for team bonding. - How do you approach conflict resolution?
I approach conflict resolution with an open mind. I am able to be unbiased and attentive to both sides. I will hear both sides of the story before making a decision, and ask for help if I need it. I do not place blame, and I will always try to make the decision that is best for everyone, while keeping the peace.