Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — The Brownsville Navigation District (BND) Board of Commissioners appointed Sergio Tito Lopez as Chairman and welcomed two new commissioners, marking a significant transition in leadership at the Port of Brownsville.
At its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the board also appointed its new officers: Commissioner Ernesto Gutierrez as Vice Chairman and Commissioner John Reed as Secretary of the Board.
Earlier in that meeting, Commissioner for Place 2, David A. Garcia, was administered the Oath of Office by Judge Leonel Alejandro. A first-term commissioner, Garcia succeeds Commissioner John Wood, who retired following years of dedicated service to the City of Brownsville, Cameron County, and the BND.
A longtime advocate for the Rio Grande Valley, Garcia brings decades of experience spanning federal, state, and local government, with a career devoted to advancing the projects and partnerships that strengthen South Texas.
At its previous meeting on May 13, 2026, the board welcomed Commissioner for Place 4, Luis H. Villarreal, Jr., who was administered the Oath of Office by former Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr.
A first-term commissioner, Villarreal succeeds Commissioner Esteban Guerra, who served the district from 2018 to 2026 and chose not to seek reelection after eight years of dedicated service.
Villarreal spent seven years in the Texas Senate before building a career in commercial development, healthcare initiatives, construction, and business operations across South Texas, contributing to planning and community-focused economic growth throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Garcia and Villarreal will serve as Assistant Secretaries of the Board.
