Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Nathan Burkhart, Vice President for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), has been announced as a recipient of the 2025 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, the biennial award recognizing rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.
The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based integrated marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations around the globe, and Jorgenson Pace, Inc, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in non-profit, economic and community development industries. An independent selection committee of six economic development leaders and site selection consultants evaluated nominations based on the demonstration of strong leadership, commitment and innovation every day in the workplace.
“Economic development is a purpose-driven field that shapes communities worldwide, and young professionals are at the heart of that impact,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “These 40 rising stars are driving change through their innovation, commitment, and leadership. Their contributions are already making a difference, and I’m excited to see how they continue to shape the industry in the years to come.”
Nathan is the only Texan to be honored with this distinction in 2025, selected from just 240 recipients over the past 15 years,” said Cori Peña, President & CEO of BCIC. “His leadership has been instrumental in advancing Brownsville’s economic development, from leading Startup Texas to fostering the growth of the eBridge Center and other important initiatives that support local entrepreneurs. This national recognition reflects his dedication and impact, and we at BCIC, along with the entire Brownsville community, take great pride in his achievement.”
Nathan Burkhart serves as the Vice President for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), where he leads efforts to strengthen the region’s startup ecosystem and drive economic growth. A Brownsville native, Burkhart returned to his hometown after working in Austin’s startup sector and the Texas Legislature, bringing a strategic blend of policy expertise and entrepreneurial insight. Under his leadership, BCIC has expanded initiatives such as the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization, one of South Texas’ largest startup incubators, and StartUp Texas, an accelerator program supporting dozens of local businesses. His work fostering cross-border entrepreneurship, securing investment, and enhancing economic mobility has helped shape Brownsville into a competitive hub for innovation.
As the economic development industry continues to evolve, these emerging leaders are rising to meet new challenges with expertise and innovation,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Pace, Inc. “Congratulations to this year’s 40 honorees—your leadership is making a lasting impact on both your communities and the industry at large.
The award winners were recently announced at a reception hosted by DCI and Jorgenson at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) 2025 Leadership Summit, the only conference exclusively for Certified Economic Developers and senior managers in the profession.For more information on the 40 Under 40 awards program and this year’s winners, visit https://aboutdci.com/insights/40-
