Brownsville economic development leader named among Texas’ most influential figures

Gilberto Salinas, president and CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, has been named to the Texas 100: Influential Pros to Know for 2026, an annual list curated by Texas Business Journals highlighting leaders expected to shape business and economic trends in the year ahead.

The Texas 100 is compiled collaboratively by business journals in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio and is designed to spotlight influence rather than formal power, recognizing individuals across sectors such as technology, real estate, sports, and economic development.

“The Texas 100 is about impact, accessibility, and leadership that may not always be in the spotlight but is shaping what comes next,” Salinas said in a statement. “I’m honored to be included among this group and proud to represent Brownsville as we continue working to create opportunities and build a stronger economic future for our community.”

Salinas’ inclusion reflects Brownsville’s rising profile in Texas’ economic landscape as the city continues to attract large-scale investment tied to aerospace, energy, and international trade.

As head of GBIC, Brownsville’s Type A economic development corporation, Salinas oversees business recruitment, expansion, and industrial infrastructure strategy in a market that has drawn national attention in recent years. That growth has been fueled in part by the expansion of SpaceX operations at Starbase, multiple liquefied natural gas projects advancing along the Brownsville Ship Channel, and ongoing modernization at the Port of Brownsville.

The port has emerged as a key driver of regional industrial activity, supporting energy, manufacturing, and aerospace supply chains while contributing to Brownsville’s national rankings as one of the fastest-growing industrial hubs along the U.S.–Mexico border.

Salinas has been widely recognized within the economic development profession. In 2021, he was named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers and was selected for Development Counsellors International’s inaugural 40 Under 40 Rising Stars in Economic Development program.

He has also held multiple state-level leadership appointments, including his 2016 appointment by Gov. Greg Abbott to the Texas Aerospace & Aviation Advisory Committee and his 2023 appointment as chairman of the Texas Education Agency’s oversight committee on charter education.

Editor’s note: The Rio Grande Valley Business Journal is not affiliated with the Texas 100 list or Texas Business Journals and had no role in the selection process.