A group of 5 state officers in red blazers standing diagnolly down some concrete steps at a fountain with some palm trees in the back outside of the National Leadership Conference

About Us

Two state officers in red blazers smiling together for a photo

NYS FCCLA is a student led organization...

The New York State FCCLA Executive Council (the State Officers) is a group of students who plan the three NYS conferences, attend the National Leadership conference, and serve as the role models for FCCLA members throughout the state of New York.

The New York State Officer Elects shadow each of the State Officers to learn the responsibilities and duties of a State Officer before assuming the role.

The New York State Junior Leaders are a group of young NYS FCCLA members who have decided to take the next step in their Ultimate Leadership Journey and work closely with both the Officer Elects and State Officers in order to develop their leadership skills.

Abigail Fields

Maja Margiotta

Katherine Rastley

Hannah Korell

NYS Executive Council

Meet the 2025 - 2026 NYS State Officers!

Hello! My name is Abigail Fields, I am currently your 2025-2026 NYS president and VP of Alumni and Associates. I am in the 11th grade and I attend school at General Brown, located in district 5b. I was a district rep for two years. I have competed in two STAR events, been to three State Conferences, three Summer Leaderships and even an exciting National Conference in Denver, Colorado! This is my fourth year in FCCLA. Outside of FCCLA, I enjoy reading, swimming, soccer and taekwondo. I love to volunteer at the ASPCA, due to my love for animals. I am so excited to see what this year holds for us all!

Abigail Fields

• President

• VP of Alumni & Associates

Maja Margiotta

• First Vice President

• VP of Parliamentary Procedure

• VP of Public Relations

Hi! My name is Maja Margiotta and I am so proud to say I am your 2025-2026 1st Vice President, VP of Parliamentary Procedure and VP of Public Relations! I am an 8th grader at Delaware Academy Central School in District 8A. This is my 3rd year in FCCLA and in that time I have attended 2 State conferences and one national conference. I am a past STAR event competitor and Junior leader! Outside of FCCLA, I enjoy playing volleyball and softball. I also love to read!

Katherine Rastley

• VP of Communications

• VP of National Programs

Hello! My name is Katherine Rastley but most people call me Katie. I am currently your 2025-2026 NYS VP of Communications and VP of National Programs. I am in the 11th grade at General Brown Central School District in District 5B. This is my fourth year in FCCLA. I have done 1 star event and attended 2 state conferences and 1 summer leadership. Outside of FCCLA I am the Jefferson County Dairy Ambassador, and I enjoy participating in 4H, FFA, NHS, volleyball, and gymnastics. I am so excited to make new memories and friends throughout the year!

Hello! My name is Hannah Korell and I am your 2025-2026 State Officer. I am a Sophomore at Union Endicott High School. I am a member of Whitney Point chapter from District 8A. I have been involved in FCCLA for 4 years. My time in FCCLA has included three Summer Leaderships and two State Conferences. Last year I was a Junior Leader and competed in my first STAR Event. Outside of FCCLA, I am a member of the varsity Bowling team and I've been a competitive dancer for 10 years. I have lots of experience as a leader because I am the oldest of 7 children in my family.I can’t wait to continue in my role as an Officer Elect and attend more State Conferences, Summer Leadership and Nationals in Orlando, FL.

Hannah Korell

• VP of Finance

• VP of Competitive Events

2025-2026 Officer Elects

Maddie Carver

Hi everyone! My name is Maddie Carver, and I’m from District 7. I attend Marcellus High School, where I’m in the 10th grade. I’m a very talkative and friendly person, and I love meeting new people and trying new hobbies. Music has played a big role in my life—I love singing and play the flute, piccolo, saxophone, and several other instruments. Lately, I’ve also gotten into baking and cooking for my family, which I find relaxing and fun. FCCLA has taught me how important it is to advocate for yourself, step outside your comfort zone, and create new opportunities for yourself and others. I’m so excited to serve as a 2025–2026 State Officer-Elect, make new memories, and meet so many amazing people!

Grace Reynolds

Hello! My name is Grace Reynolds, and I am your State Officer-Elect for the 2025–2026 year. I am currently a sophomore at Delaware Academy High School in District 8A. A few things to know about me: my favorite show is Grey’s Anatomy, my favorite color is blue, and I love volleyball! This is my fifth year in FCCLA, and I’ve competed in four STAR Events in the past. I play three sports and also work at an Italian restaurant. I look forward to meeting all of you and serving as a state officer, helping each of you find your voice in FCCLA!

Maggie (Meredith) Green

Hi! My name is Meredith Green, but I go by Maggie! I am your State Officer-Elect for the 2025–2026 year. I’m an 11th grader at General Brown High School in District 5B. I’ve been in FCCLA for just one year so far, and this organization has already taught me so much about myself. I’ve become much more confident in public speaking and more comfortable reaching out and talking to others. FCCLA has also given me the chance to make friends and help my community at the same time. My favorite color is pink, and I love all animals. I live on a hobby farm with over 15 animals! My favorite event I’ve participated in so far was the Easter Bunny Breakfast, where I got to be the Easter Bunny for three hours—taking pictures with kids, playing games, and hopping around to greet everyone who came. I also run cross country for my school, and I love it! I’m excited to continue growing my love for FCCLA and to connect with all of you. I look forward to learning even more about this amazing organization, and I’m so grateful to have been given this opportunity. Overall, I’m super excited to serve as your 2025–2026 State Officer-Elect!

LilliAnn Van Benschoten

Hi! My name is LilliAnn Van Benschoten, and I belong to the Margaretville chapter in District 8A. I’m in 10th grade, and I’m so excited to be one of your 2025–2026 Officer-Elects! If you see me around, feel free to strike up a conversation—I love hearing from fellow FCCLA members about what’s happening in their chapters and what their interests are. Personally, I love sewing, fashion, and reading. This will be my fifth year in the organization, and I’ve loved every moment of it. Over the years, I’ve completed four STAR Events and attended three National Conferences. I also took the Junior Leader Course, which I highly recommend to anyone who wants to grow their leadership skills! FCCLA has helped me discover my dream career, given me a true home away from home, and so much more. I’ve learned so much through this organization, and I’m excited to continue growing and achieving even more as a 2026–2027 State Officer!

Charlotte Stasik

Hey everyone! My name is Charlotte Stasik, and I am one of your 2025–2026 Officer-Elects. This year, I am in 10th grade at Marcellus High School in District 7. This will be my third year in FCCLA, and it has been such an amazing experience so far. I’ve competed in two STAR Events and attended the most recent NLC in Orlando. I’m looking forward to making many new memories as an Elect and eventually as an Officer. Some of my favorite hobbies are reading and playing tennis. I also enjoy music and play the French horn in my school’s band. Throughout my time in this leadership role, I hope to grow alongside all of you and meet members from across New York State!

Holly Eads

Hello! My name is Holly Eads, and I am one of your State Officer-Elect for 2025–2026. I’ll be going into 10th grade at General Brown Jr./Sr. High School in District 5B. A few things to know about me: my favorite color is pink, and I really love Discovery of Witches. I enjoy playing soccer, hanging out with my fellow FCCLA members, and getting to know them better. This will be my fourth year in FCCLA. I’ve competed in two STAR Events, went to Nationals in 2025 to compete, and completed the NYS State Junior Leader course. I’m fully committed to this organization and all in for everything it has to offer. I can’t wait to meet all of you and share my FCCLA experience. I’m so excited and honored to serve as your State Officer-Elect!

Fiona Rutigliano

Hey! My name is Fiona Rutigliano, and I am your State Officer-Elect for the 2025–2026 year. I’m currently a 10th grader at Marlboro High School in District 3. Some fun facts about me: my favorite color is green, I love reading—especially mysteries—I play volleyball and I enjoy hanging out with my friends in my free time. This is my fourth year in FCCLA. I’ve completed three STAR Events, earning gold at Nationals at the most recent NLC in Florida. I’m thrilled to connect with fellow members and share my gratitude for all that FCCLA has given me. I’m so excited to watch every member grow, along with myself, as I begin this journey as a State Officer!

Ava Vicari

Hello! My name is Ava Vicari, and I am one of the eight Officer-Elects for the 2025–2026 school year. This year, I will be in 11th grade at Marlboro High School. This will be my fifth year in FCCLA. Some fun facts about me: I enjoy cooking, playing basketball, and hanging out with my friends. I’ve competed in four STAR Events, earning two golds and two silvers at the state level. Because of FCCLA, I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone through public speaking, improving my communication skills, and even crushing a line dance to Happy by Pharrell Williams. I’m incredibly excited for this new chapter and eager to serve as a State Officer!

2025-2026 Junior Leaders

Julia Balcom-Salazar

Hi! My name is Julia Balcom-Salazar, I am from district 8A and I go to Margaretville Central School. I am going into ninth grade. I really love theatre and I play multiple instruments in my free time. Some of my favorite things about FCCLA are the people there, doing workshops and competing in STAR Events.

Danielle Sandford

Hi, my name is Danielle Sandford. I go to Margaretville Central School. I’m in the eighth grade. I’ve been in FCCLA since sixth grade. Last year I did my first state event in culinary level 1. I ended up getting gold. I decided to become a Junior Leader to meet new people and to see what FCCLA was all about. My favorite thing about FCCLA is meeting new people. Although I don’t like public speaking, I figured this was a good way to overcome that fear! When I grow up, I want to go to college for dermatology and childhood education!

Makenzie Bercume

Hi, my name is Makenzie Bercume. I go to General Brown, District 5B. I am 13 and going into the ninth grade. I am a 2025-2026 Junior Leader. In my free time, I like to sing, sketch, and talk to friends. I am in three clubs and I do two sports.

Nellie Humiston

Hi! My name is Nellie Humiston! I go to Marcellus High School in District 7. I am in the ninth grade. I enjoy activities such as skiing, swimming, baking, and sports! In my free time, I enjoy being with my family and friends. This year, I am so excited to be a Junior Leader! I can’t wait to make new friends and be a leader in FCCLA and in my Chapter!

Sophie Smorol

Hi, my name is Sophie Smorol and and I am from Marcellus, District 7. I am a Junior Leader for the 2025-2026 year. I am in the eighth grade and I am 13 years old. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, writing, acting, and sewing. This is my second year in FCCLA and I cannot wait to help give others the FCCLA experience.

Reece Eads

My name is Reece Eads. I am in the ninth grade, I go to General Brown JR/SR High School in District 5B. I am a Junior Leader for the 2025-2026 year. This is my second year in FCCLAn and I have competed in two New York State STAR Events, scoring gold for both. I enjoy hanging out with my family during my free time, like going fishing.