Rebecca Zajac
Executive Director
Columbus,GA
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Dragonfly Trails, Inc.
Columbus, GA
12.2019 - Current
- Lead citywide implementation of a 65-mile community trail master plan through a public–private partnership with the City of Columbus, advancing civic infrastructure that strengthens quality of life, connectivity, and economic vitality.
- Project manage planning, design, and engineering for multi-phase trail projects, working in close collaboration with city departments, consultants, and community stakeholders to translate public vision into deliverable infrastructure.
- Steward public-benefit funding and philanthropy, leading fundraising and grant efforts totaling $15M+ from private donors and foundations to support equitable, long-term trail development across Columbus.
- Champion civic engagement and community activation, growing public awareness and shared ownership of the trail system through communications, public speaking, $500K in public art investments, and inclusive events such as cleanups, runs, walks, and rides.
Vice President of Marketing, Events & Community Relations
Uptown Columbus, Inc.
04.2015 - 11.2015
- Led marketing, events, sponsorships, and community relations for a downtown development organization, overseeing signature events generating roughly half of annual operating revenue.
- Managed a six-figure marketing and events budget, improved cost efficiency by bringing services in-house, and expanded sponsorship and donor revenue through strategic partnerships and fundraising initiatives.
- Directed branding, digital strategy, media relations, and stakeholder engagement to significantly grow organizational visibility and community impact.
Senior Account Executive
Octagon Global Sports Agency
12.2013 - 04.2015
- Managed large-scale sports and entertainment events, overseeing marketing, sponsorship fulfillment, and operations for multi-day national tournaments.
- Led sponsor relations, revenue growth, volunteer coordination, and on-site execution while managing multi-million-dollar budgets and cross-functional teams.
Account Executive
Octagon Global Sports Agency
04.2013 - 12.2013
- Served as primary client contact for regional brand activations, coordinating execution across multiple states.
- Recruited, trained, and supervised activation teams while managing operational budgets and post-event reporting.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Marketing, Minor in Environmental Economics
Wittenberg University
Skills
- Project Management
- Donor Relations & Fundraising
- Grant Writing
- Event Management
- Budget & Financial Management
- CRM Tools
- Microsoft Office
Board Member
- Go Georgia (statewide bike/ped advocacy org)
- Bicycle Columbus
- Regional Prosperity Initiative
Accomplishments
- Trails
- Public Art
Timeline
Executive Director
Dragonfly Trails, Inc.
12.2019 - Current
Vice President of Marketing, Events & Community Relations
Uptown Columbus, Inc.
04.2015 - 11.2015
Senior Account Executive
Octagon Global Sports Agency
12.2013 - 04.2015
Account Executive
Octagon Global Sports Agency
04.2013 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Business Marketing, Minor in Environmental Economics
Wittenberg University