Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) has named Daniel Silva as its new Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, with his appointment taking effect April 27, 2026. Silva brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in economic development, workforce advancement, and entrepreneurship throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Prior to joining BCIC, Silva served as Executive Director of the South Texas Vocational Technical Institute in Brownsville, operating under Ancora Education, part of the Lindenwood Education System. In that role, he oversaw campus operations, faculty leadership, and student success initiatives. Earlier in his career, Silva was President and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, where he led collaborative efforts across key sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, education, and commerce.
Silva also dedicated 18 years to the Mission Economic Development Corporation, serving in multiple leadership roles—four years as CEO, seven as COO, and seven as Project Manager. During that time, he also served for 9 years as Executive Director of the Mission Redevelopment Authority and its Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). His leadership contributed to managing the 55,000-square-foot Center for Education and Economic Development and helped drive the creation and retention of more than 15,000 jobs, along with over $200 million in capital investment in the City of Mission.
In his new position, Silva will oversee BCIC’s entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives, including Startup Texas, the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization, and the organization’s growing early-stage funding pipeline. His role is closely aligned with BCIC’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2029, which emphasizes strengthening the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Daniel has spent two decades advancing economic development across the Rio Grande Valley, and his results—jobs, investment, and entrepreneurial growth—are exactly what we aim to expand in Brownsville,” said Cori Peña, President and CEO of BCIC. “He will play a key role in advancing our initiatives, including Startup Texas, the eBridge Center, and our expanding funding strategies under the Strategic Plan.”
Silva holds a Master of Public Administration (2015) and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems and Quantitative Methods (2004). His professional certifications include Certified Public Manager (CPM), Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), and Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED).
“Brownsville is emerging as a leader in the region, and BCIC is central to that momentum,” Silva said. “Throughout my career, I’ve focused on creating opportunities through job growth and investment. Joining BCIC allows me to contribute to that mission at a scale that matches Brownsville’s rapid development. I appreciate the trust from Cori, the board, and the entire team.”
