Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Gilberto Salinas, President and CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC), has been recognized as part of the Texas 100: Influential Pros to Know for 2026, an annual list curated by Texas Business Journals that spotlights impactful individuals across the state who are expected to make headlines in the year ahead.
The Texas 100 is not a traditional power list, but rather a collection of influential Texans who are shaping their industries and communities in meaningful ways. Compiled collaboratively by business journals in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, the list highlights leaders from a wide range of sectors, from technology and real estate to sports and economic development who are considered people to watch in 2026.
Salinas’s recognition reflects his leadership in advancing Brownsville’s economic development strategy and raising the region’s profile across Texas and beyond. As President and CEO of GBIC, he leads efforts to attract investment, support job creation, and foster partnerships that strengthen the local and regional economy.
Salinas is widely recognized for his contributions to the field of economic development. In 2021, he was named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers, and he is a recipient of Development Counsellors International’s (DCI) inaugural 40-Under-40 Rising Stars in Economic Development. In addition, Salinas has been appointed to key leadership roles at the state level, including his appointment by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Aerospace & Aviation Advisory Committee in 2016 and his appointment in 2023 as Chairman of the Texas Education Agency’s oversight committee on charter education.
“The Texas 100 is about impact, accessibility, and leadership that may not always be in the spotlight but is shaping what comes next,” said Gilberto Salinas. “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.”
The Texas 100 feature emphasizes connection and visibility, introducing readers to leaders who may be new to them and whose work is influencing business and community outcomes across the state. Salinas’s recognition underscores the growing influence of Brownsville’s economic development efforts and the role of collaborative leadership in driving progress.
