by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
He has had the same office for 11 years, but he has served many roles in the Gator Bowl Association from within it, including his current position as vice president of marketing and chief marketing officer.
Erik Dellenback changed his major at the University of Florida from business administration to sports management so he could continue to pursue his passion for sports.
“I figured, if I can’t play it any more, then I want to be in a career where I can be involved with it,” said Dellenback, who played football and basketball in high school.
After interning in the ticket office of the Gator Bowl Association, the opportunity to become a full-time member of the staff was available and the job would allow him to be close to another love of his life.
“In an effort to stay close to my then girlfriend, and now wife, I took a job in the biggest city closest to her,” said Dellenback.
The decision has worked out on many levels. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have three children, Blake, 5, Tyler, 4, and Emma, 2.
The growth of his family has been matched by the growth of his job experience.
“I’ve done just about every job in this organization,” said Dellenback. “I was a ticketing intern. I worked in promotions and early marketing. Those experiences led to being the director of the inaugural Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship in 2005.”
The ACC split its conference into two divisions in 2004 and held its first conference championship game in 2005, which the Gator Bowl Association bid to host and won.
“The ACC Championship was a great learning experience,” said Dellenback. “I really respect (Gator Bowl Association President and CEO) Rick (Catlett), and for him to feel comfortable with giving me that responsibility, it was very humbling.”
Though it isn’t an easy task to direct the organization and execute an event that welcomes an average of about 55,000 people, Dellenback emphasized his job wouldn’t be possible without the hundreds of volunteers that make Gator Bowl Association events a success.
“Everyone is so passionate about Jacksonville and letting people know what a great city we have,” said Dellenback. “They work hard to show we can put on as good a show as any other city in the country.”
His latest promotion occurred in January. As vice president of marketing and chief marketing officer, he meets with both staff and current and potential sponsors to keep up with the ever-changing world of collegiate athletics.
“So I need to be out of this office nurturing those relationships (with sponsors),” said Dellenback. “My primary function in this office is relationship-building.”
Though he enjoys being a part of an organization that attracts visitors to Jacksonville to create economic impact and opportunities for local business, he is glad to pull family and friends into his office at about 5 p.m. on Jan. 1 every year.
“My favorite time of the year is when the (Gator Bowl) is over and my family and friends come into my office to celebrate the finish of another game,” said Dellenback.
“Because if you are my family or friends, then you’ve probably been roped into volunteering.”
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