Alumni Highlights

October 2026 – David Decker ’89

David Decker ’89 is the October Alumni Highlight and our 2026 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year!

Join David for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, community service, and giving back to the next generation. A longtime Martinsburg business leader and owner of Decker & Company, PLLC, David reflects on his journey from a first-generation college student at Shepherd to building a successful accounting firm that is celebrating 20 years in business. Along the way, he shares how Shepherd helped shape his career, why he made the leap to start his own company, and the importance of creating opportunities for students through internships and mentorship.

David also discusses his deep commitment to the community, including his service with the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce, Martinsburg Little League, and numerous civic organizations. He reflects on the honor of being named the Chamber’s 2024 Business Person of the Year and how volunteer service has enriched both his personal and professional life.

Throughout the interview, David offers practical advice for current students and recent graduates, encouraging them to pursue internships, job-shadowing opportunities, and meaningful professional connections early in their college careers. His story is a powerful reminder of how education, initiative, and service can create a lasting impact on both a career and a community.

David will be honored as the 2026 Outstanding Alumnus during Homecoming Weekend. Find all of the details at https://www.shepherd.edu/homecoming-2026/.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

Katie Swayne: Hi everybody, it’s Katie Swayne, Director of Alumni Affairs. We’re here again for another Alumni Highlight. I have Randy Friend, our Alumni Association Board President, and today we’re going to be highlighting our Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, David Decker. So, Randy, go ahead and take it away with the interview.

Randy Friend: Yeah, thanks, Katie, and welcome back, everybody, for another wonderfully exciting interview. I’m super pumped about this one because of David being our Outstanding Alum of the Year, but more importantly, really being able to talk with somebody who I never get a chance to with a lot of our board meetings. We’ll get kind of into that as well, but before we start on that, I’m going to let David do a quick introduction before we kick off with a lot of these conversations. David, please, for the group that is listening to us today, introduce yourself.

David Decker: Okay, thank you very much for having me, here, Randy and Katie. I certainly do appreciate it. As you said, my name’s David Decker. I’m a CPA, or Certified Public Accountant here in Martinsburg. I’m an ’89 graduate from Shepherd… from then Shepherd College, and, basically, I got my CPA a couple years later. I’ve worked in public accounting since I graduated, worked for two regional accounting firms, became partner in one of those. Then in 2006, branched off on my own and opened up my own firm. Now we have 5 employees, and this month we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary.

Randy Friend: I was just going to say, I was like, in 2006, this is 20 years, so why don’t we just kick off right from there? 20 years, what, you know, 20 years of reflection of having your own, business. What does that look like for you, and what are your thoughts on that?

David Decker: Well, it is certainly nice to be able to say that you have had clients and employees who have helped sustain that 20 years, and you would like to think you are providing good service to your clients. Certainly my education at Shepherd has certainly helped me through that, getting a good foundation and, and pointing me in the direction of public accounting, and certainly working in a growing area, that’s a good thing for business and certainly keeps you on your toes.

Randy Friend: Yeah. So, looking back, all right, those… those 20 years, I’m going to have, like, kind of a two-part question here, right? So, 20 years ago, you decided to take this adventure out on your own. Would love to know what enticed you or made you want to do that. You had already, it sounded like, been partner at another organization previously, then stepped out on your own. And one of the things that I believe is great, and I know just from kind of our working relationship on the board of directors for the Alumni Association, you not only have hired other (Shepherd) accounting students, but also, if I understand correctly, provide some internships and things like that. So, let’s start with the idea of hey, 2005, right? You are kind of itching to do this. What was that catalyst or that reason for making this breakout on your own?

David Decker: Well, I just wanted to do some things a little bit differently, and just kind of do things on my own, as opposed to kind of going through another level of hierarchy there with other, with other partners. And certainly, when I went out on my own in 2006, the economy was looking really great at that time, and so that was good. And then, of course, about a year and a half later, everything started crashing down. So, but fortunately, my business continued to grow. And so that just gave me kind of encouragement just to keep going and, continuing on the path that I chose to go on my own and provide, both accounting, tax, and audit services, primarily here to the Eastern Panhandle.

Randy Friend: Yeah. And so, as you’ve gone to do that, right, you have five employees now. I know you have some Shepherd alums that are a part of that. I don’t know if the whole five are a part of that or not, but I know of some. And you’ve given back a lot, both to the university, whether it’s through the Accounting Club, or obviously with the organization we work with, with their internships. What has that kind of been like for you watching the university kind of grow as your business is growing? Because you’re bringing on different employees as well, and having those opportunities to bring some of these young accountants, whether it’s internships or employees into your organization, and seeing how the quality, if you will, of those students has either maintained or grown over that time. If you can speak to any of that, that would be great.

David Decker: Sure, yeah, yeah, actually, right now there’s 5 of us here in the office. We are all Shepherd alums, and, over the years, I’ve had a number of interns, primarily during tax season to help us out, and I’ve always been very, both very appreciative and very impressed with the level of learning, expertise, that the interns have. Some of those I still keep in touch with. They have gone on to, whether it is in public accounting or in private accounting, have gone on to, you know, having their own careers, so it is great seeing that. And, just really enjoy that opportunity to be able to kind of, in a way, small way, give back to the university, and provide those internships.

Randy Friend: Yeah, that’s great. Which is always appreciated and definitely needed. So, another question for you, right? So, thinking about the university as a whole, and obviously the college, where both you and I did go. I was actually there during, the college, and then during my master’s, it was university, so I got to experience that transition. But for you, what was that like back in, you know, in the, your time of going to Shepherd? What was your reason, or do you remember or recollect, like, kind of the reason you went to Shepherd? What was that experience like for you as a student, kind of looking back, as you will today?

David Decker: Yeah, sure. Yeah, I started out at Shepherd, obviously a good academic reputation, and it was close to home. I lived in Martinsburg, and I actually started out as an engineering major. I was in what was called the 2 plus 2 process. So 2 years at Shepherd, then go on to somewhere else to complete your major. I took about one semester in engineering and decided that was not quite for me, and talked to some other folks and, decided, let’s give accounting a try. And that just clicked for me really right away, and I’m really happy with that, with that choice, the accounting education that I got from Shepherd, and continuing in accounting as a career path. Really appreciated that as the first person in my family that went to college. So, you know, I had to commute and work, during college, so unfortunately, I didn’t get to participate in a lot of college activities. That is something I stressed to my sons when they went to college, to stay on campus and get as much opportunities to participate with activities as you can, because I know I missed out on a lot of that, but I still feel like I got a wonderful education.

Randy Friend: That’s awesome. And I agree completely, right? Like, that experience for folks is so powerful. And, you know, so many great memories and things like that. You know, thinking about a lot of things in organizations, I would say, just kind of looking at your CV here that we’ve got, you’re definitely making up for the lack of organization time while in Shepherd, but now involved in so many things in the community. One that stuck out to me I’d love to know more about is the Martinsburg Little League board member and coach.

David Decker: Sure.

Randy Friend: How much are you loving the Little League ball coach experience?

David Decker: Yes, I was involved in Martinsburg Little League for… actually I started out in South Berkeley Little League. I volunteered there for a couple years before we had children. And so that was great, and then, of course, once we had children, from the time they were 5 until they finished high school, I was still involved in the Martinsburg Little League. In fact, actually, even though, my kids are no longer in the Little League, and I’m no longer on the board or an active coach, I’ve still helped. They have a fundraiser; I still help with the fundraiser every year. But yeah, coaching, I’ve coached all the way from T-ball to, high school fall ball league, and everything in between. So All-Stars and all of that. That was just a really special time. Really appreciate looking back at that, and remembering those years.

Randy Friend: And did you, did you have some scenarios where you were actually, got the opportunity to kind of coach, kind of those young athletes at different stages at the same time? Like, I guess, kind of following a kid along where maybe it was T-ball, and then you got to coach him again later on? I would assume that’s probably a pretty cool experience if you did get to.

David Decker: Yes, yes, very, very cool, and to kind of put that in perspective, if you will, at one point during coaching the Little League there was a player, Chase DeLauter, who is now, outfielder for the Cleveland Guardians (formerly Indians).

Randy Friend: Oh, whoa!

David Decker: Yeah, so… so that was… that’s really cool.

Randy Friend: Oh, that’s cool!

David Decker: Yeah, to see him go on and be a pro athlete.

Randy Friend: Man, tell you what, something in that Martinsburg water, I think, is going on over there, right? So, very awesome. And then the last thing that, you know, just kind of looking over the notes and things here that really hit me was, and I know I’m going all over the place here, but that’s okay, which is pretty normal, as Katie knows, for these conversations. You know, in 2024, you know, Business Person of the Year, what was that like for you to be recognized by your community when we think about, obviously, you’ve come up to your 20-year anniversary now. Yeah, I’d just love to hear your thoughts on that.

David Decker: Yeah, that was, given to me by the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce. That’s an organization that I’ve been active in, really before, even before I started my business, but especially since I started my business. I’ve been on the board, on and off the board several times. I’ve gone all the way. I’ve been the, chairman of the board for one year. And then, to, to be recognized as the, Business Person of the Year, that was certainly a very, humbling honor, to have, others from the community that, seen or worked with me. To vote me for that award, that was, that was very special. I certainly appreciated that.

Randy Friend: No, that’s great. I mean, obviously, as I’ve gotten to know you, and clearly from everything, you’re a huge member of the community, constantly providing not only, you know, your time, but also your effort in numerous things. So, you know, from a Shepherd standpoint, we’re extremely thankful that you’re helping us on the Alumni Association as well, which obviously makes it very well deserved for you to be the Outstanding Alum of the Year. Kind of as we start to wrap things up here a little bit, one of the questions I ask everybody, before we finish is, if you were to go back and look and talk to yourself or folks that are at that college age and say, after these years of experience, this the piece of advice I would give. What would that be if you were to go back and provide yourself with that advice, or young folks who are now starting into their college career?

David Decker: Yeah, I think the number one, and I do tell folks, whether it’s interns or others that I meet, I do tell them this, and I feel very strongly about this. While you are in college, especially your freshman or sophomore year, the sooner the better, if you have an opportunity to do an internship, to do a job shadowing, anything like that, take advantage of that, and actually go seek those things out. I sometimes get discouraged when, or I guess maybe I feel a little almost disappointed, or feel for the individuals who say, you know, I got a degree in this, and I don’t know if I really like it. I don’t know if I really want to do that as a career. So I feel like internships, job shadowing, anything like that, part-time job in that field, gives you a look into, hey, do I really want to spend another couple years in this major, or is there something else that interests me a little bit more? So I think that’s a… that’s a great way to see if you like the field that you’ve, that you’ve chosen, and hopefully, you know, to stick with that, to be able to put that education to use for you. And the other thing I would say for a lot of students is just to, follow up. Follow up and take the initiative to both seek out those jobs. If you have conversations with someone, about the, about jobs, internships, whatever, follow up on that. It’s kind of disheartening, you know, if someone asks you, hey, do you have a job? Are you going to have an internship? And you respond and say, yes, could you get me, say, you know, your resume? Then you don’t hear anything back from them. That is a little bit disheartening, and, but just also just for common courtesy in life, whether that’s for a job or just for, you know, being in life overall. Just follow up with folks.

Randy Friend: Man, that’s great, and then you’re absolutely right. I had the opportunity when I was at Shepherd to go early in my academic career, to do kind of a job shadowing, and realize that was not for me. And so, yeah, I think it’s spot on that, that definitely helps. So, David, thank you so much for your time. We greatly appreciate it. Again, congratulations on the honor for Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. I think it’s more of an honor for us to have you, as a part of that. And, for all those that you’ve joined, you know, please, if you have somebody else that you want to nominate for our Alumni Highlight. Katie and I love having folks to do that, and these interviews are always fun. And we appreciate your, your time. Hopefully, folks who are watching this, homecoming’s right around the corner, right? See, David, kind of, I would just say walking, but no, because Outstanding Alumni get to ride down the street. All two blocks in our lovely Shepherdstown, and we look forward to seeing you there. Thanks, everybody, and David, appreciate your time today.

David Decker: Oh, thank you very much, and thank you for the recognition. I certainly do appreciate it.

Randy Friend: Alright, take care, everybody. Thanks so much.

David Decker: Thank you.

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