Strategic Partnerships, Inc. salutes you, public sector officials: The Profiles in Power section spotlights and recognizes powerful figures across America’s public sector landscape. This Profile in Power is of Rebecca M. Olaguibel, Retail and Business Development Director for the City of McAllen, Texas.
My public career highlights and education
I have been fortunate to serve the City of McAllen for more than 19 years. Today, I serve as Director of Retail and Business Development. My career with the city has included public relations, marketing, international relations, retail recruitment and business development. One of the most rewarding parts of my work has been building relationships with businesses, developers and community partners and helping turn opportunities into investment and growth for McAllen.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from The University of Texas at San Antonio. Before joining the city, I worked with Wells Fargo and the Laredo Chamber of Commerce – experiences that gave me a strong foundation in business and community development.
What I like best about public service
I love being able to see the impact of the work we do. Local government is very personal – you are serving your neighbors, your businesses and your community. There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing an idea become a project, a new business open its doors or a local business grow and knowing you had a small part in making it happen.
Some of the best advice I have ever received
Relationships matter. Take the time to build them before you need them. That has stayed with me throughout my career. Whether I am working with a small business owner, a national retailer, a developer or another community partner, I have learned that trust and genuine relationships are invaluable. People want to work with people they know will answer the phone, follow through and find a way to help.
Something I wish more people knew about my division of government
I wish more people knew how much goes on behind the scenes in retail and business development. It is much more than recruiting a new store or restaurant. We are constantly building relationships, supporting existing businesses, working with developers, marketing McAllen, strengthening commercial areas and looking for opportunities to keep our economy moving forward. Sometimes a project can take years to come together, so seeing that ribbon cutting is especially rewarding.
A current project or initiative that I am working on
I’m particularly excited about our partnership with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to bring its Market Lab programming to the McAllen Main Library. It connects entrepreneurs and small businesses with valuable market research and customer discovery resources at no cost to them.
I also oversee our REFRESH 50|50 Storefront Revitalization Grant, which partners with property and business owners to reinvest in their storefronts. I love this program because the impact is so visible – one improved property can create momentum along an entire commercial corridor and encourage additional private investment.
One thing outside of government service people may not know about me
I’m a wife and proud mom of three sons. Family is a very important part of my life and keeps everything in perspective. They are also a big part of why public service means so much to me. I want my children – and all of our young people – to see McAllen as a place where they can build a career, raise a family and be proud to call home.
