Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bret A. Gardella as its new Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Gardella brings a wealth of experience in business development, entrepreneurship, marketing, public relations and community development. His expertise ranging from small business development tointernational recruiting and ability to formulate high-profile, image-based marketing will be of great value to the corporation.
Gardella holds a B.A. in Mass Communications, emphasizing Television & Radio broadcasting from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. His rich economic development career over 16 years hasspanned multiple states and municipalities including key roles such as President & CEO of the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation in Bastrop, Texas, and Executive Director of the Rosenberg Development Corporation in Rosenberg, Texas. Other significant roles include Economic Development Manager for the Cities of Baytown, Texas and Rock Island, Illinois, and Economic Development Director for Avery County, North Carolina.
“I am grateful to the GBIC Board of Directors for their faith in me and entrusting me with this opportunity to lead an incredible team and continue the economic growth of the great City of Brownsville,” said Gardella. “I am committed to working with and serving our residents, stakeholders, established businesses, industries, and the opportunities we will recruit to build on our growth and investment in job creation we will be proud of.”
As GBIC’s new Executive Director & CEO, Gardella will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans and goals, promoting the acquisition and growth of businesses into the City of Brownsville, creating opportunities for those new business, and conducting technical research to further enhance themission of the corporation. His forward vision and ability to develop innovative proposals are expected to drive the GBIC’s economic advancements.
“Bret’s vast experience and proven leadership in economic development make him an exceptional choicefor this critical role,” said John Cowen, Jr., Brownsville City Mayor and GBIC Chairman. “His expertise will be instrumental in our pursuit of sustainable economic growth and development in Brownsville.”
“We are confident that Bret will lead the GBIC group to new heights, and we look forward to working with himto fulfill the corporation’s mission and achieve its goals,” said Interim Executive Director of GBIC, Jerry Briones.
Gardella will assume the role in August of 2023. The GBIC board, its partners, and stakeholders extend a warm welcome and look forward to his leadership.
The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering economic growth in Brownsville. GBIC provides strategic incentives to enhance the business climate, spur investment, and create jobs in the region.
