Gilberto Salinas is back!

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Gilberto Salinas, a familiar face in economic development circles in the Rio Grande Valley, is back!

The former vice president of Brownsville Economic Development Corporation and interim executive director of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) has been confirmed as the new executive director of GBIC.

Ankjaer Jensen, chairman of the board at GBIC, says he and his colleagues are confident Salinas can lead GBIC towards new heights of success, fostering a community that thrives on innovation, opportunity, and a shared vision for a prosperous future.

“We are excited to welcome Gilberto back to Brownsville, where he made a tremendous impact in his previous role,” Jensen said. “His leadership, vision, and passion for our community will be instrumental as we continue our efforts to make Brownsville a hub for economic growth and innovation.”

The mission of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, Jensen said, is to serve as a dynamic force and catalyst for economic growth that transforms Brownsville’s future by empowering a spectrum of industries and entrepreneurs through recruitment, workforce development, job creation, industrial real estate solutions, and incentive programs.

Bret Gardella, the previous executive director and CEO of GBIC left the organization soon after Brownsville residents voted in May of this year to reject a proposal to form a Greater Brownsville Municipal Development District. The entity would have taken over the work of GBIC and Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation. Jerry Briones, deputy executive director of GBIC, has led the group since May.

Salinas has over 18 years of experience in economic development. He won plaudits at Brownsville Economic Development Corporation for leading the efforts to bring Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) to Boca Chica. He would often visit the state Capitol in Austin to work with then-state Sen. Eddie Lucio and then-state Rep. René to secure state funding for the SpaceX project and the Texas Spaceport Trust Fund. He also created GBIC during his time at BEDC.

Prior to his return to GBIC, Salinas served as executive director of the Kerr Economic Development Corporation in Kerrville, Texas. He co-founded the Rebel School of Economic Development—a unique mastermind series combining leadership coaching, entrepreneur-led training, and economic development mentoring. His dedication to driving growth and innovation has earned him accolades, including being named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers in 2021.  

“I am honored to return to Brownsville—a place I consider home—and to once again work alongside the community in advancing the mission of GBIC,” Salinas said. “Brownsville is uniquely positioned to be a leader in economic development, and I am eager to build on the progress we have made and explore new opportunities for growth and collaboration.”

Salinas earned a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Texas–Pan American at Edinburg.

Salinas’ first day as GBIC’s executive director will be Monday, October 14, 2024. This means he will not be part of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s “Commercialization and Investment Tour” being hosted by GBIC on October. 9.

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