Meet The Team

Zamesnik has served in executive roles at the Austin Convention Center for the past six years, advancing from Chief Administrative Officer to Assistant Director, then Deputy Director, before assuming the Interim Director role. During the pandemic, she developed financial models for the Convention Center’s expansion and oversaw consultant contracts for real estate and development. Since joining the department in 2020, she has been deeply committed to the Austin Convention Center’s success and its expansion project.

Zamesnik earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and International Affairs from Florida State University in 2008, and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin in 2012.

In 2022, Taje Allen was named Assistant Director of the Austin Convention Center Department. He is a member of the ACCD Executive Team and is responsible for 140 full-time employees. He oversees six managers and 13 supervisors that manage the day-to-day operations of the Austin Convention Center, Palmer Events Center, Convention Center Warehouse and Marshalling Yard, and three parking garages. Allen oversees facility maintenance, event set-ups and tear-downs, event electrical, rigging, recycling, custodial, building and grounds, and Capital Improvement Projects.

Previously serving as the Interim Facility Manager from 2021-22, Allen excelled in facilities operations, strategic planning, and problem-solving during the pandemic. He guided the efforts in obtaining the Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s (GBAC) Star Accreditation that led to the validation of the Austin Convention Center and Palmer Events Center cleaning programs and demonstrated best work practices to prevent and respond to outbreaks. Allen has also spent time as ACCD Event Services Manager, ACCD Event Coordinator, ACCD Event Coordinator Intern, and Event Operations Assistant for the University of Texas. He has a total of 17 years of experience with ACCD.

Allen earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management from the University of Texas at Austin, where he also played football for the Longhorns before playing six seasons in the NFL.

Sylba Everett is an accomplished administrative and financial professional who has been with the City of Austin since 2009. She brings extensive experience in human resources, finance, and strategic planning. As Chief Administrative Officer for the Austin Convention Center Department, she oversees finance, contracts, human resources, and quality assurance.

Sylba’s diverse background includes prior roles in waste diversion, education, business management, marketing and communications, data analytics, IT, employment services, and facilities management. Through this broad experience, she has developed specialized expertise in sustainability programs, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Arizona and maintains certifications in Human Resources, Dispute Resolution, and Project Management. Sylba continues to lead with excellence, implementing impactful policies and operational improvements that strengthen the City of Austin’s workforce and administrative functions.

Fernandez has over 26 years of experience in the public sector, including 19 years with the City of Austin. Most recently, he served as Interim Director of the City’s Animal Services Department. Previously, he worked in the Financial Services Department as a Capital Contracting Officer, overseeing procurement and contracts for professional and construction services that support citywide CIP initiatives.

From 2023 to 2025, Fernandez served as Deputy Director at ACCD, focusing on capital projects and contract management. His career also includes leadership roles as Interim Capital Contracting Officer, Assistant Director, and Assistant to the City Manager.

A United States Air Force veteran, Fernandez served as an Aerospace Physiologist and non-commissioned officer, leading operational and logistics functions and deploying to the Middle East and South Korea. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Wayland Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from St. Mary’s University. Fernandez is a past president of the Local Government Hispanic Network.