Gilberto Salinas Returns to Lead Brownsville's Economic Future as CEO of GBIC

Effective Monday, October 14, Gilberto Salinas will take on the role of Executive Director and CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC). Salinas, a seasoned economic development leader, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to Brownsville, a place he considers home.

"I am honored to return to Brownsville and once again collaborate with the community to advance GBIC's mission. This city is uniquely positioned to become a leader in economic development, and I am eager to build on the progress we’ve made and explore new opportunities for growth and collaboration," Salinas remarked.

Ankjaer Jensen, Chairman of the GBIC Board, also expressed his support for Salinas' appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Gilberto back to Brownsville, where his previous work made a tremendous impact. His leadership, vision, and passion for the community will be pivotal in our efforts to make Brownsville a hub of economic growth and innovation."

Salinas brings over 18 years of experience in economic development roles and projects. Among his accomplishments is the establishment of the GBIC itself and the successful recruitment of Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) to Boca Chica, Texas.

He also served as Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Kerrville, Texas, and co-founded the Rebel School of Economic Development, which offers a unique training program combining leadership coaching, entrepreneur-led education, and mentoring in economic development.

In recognition of his dedication to fostering innovation and growth, Salinas was named one of North America's Top 50 Economic Developers in 2021.

A Proven Track Record at GBIC

During his previous tenure, Salinas laid the foundation for the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation and played a crucial role in attracting SpaceX, helping to establish what is now the iconic Starbase Spaceport.

In addition, Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed Salinas to the state's Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee, and he currently chairs the Texas Education Agency's Charter School Oversight Committee.

Salinas holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s Degree in Communication from the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg. As he returns to Brownsville, he aims to lead GBIC’s initiatives with a focus on fostering innovation, seizing opportunities, and guiding the community toward a prosperous future.