Brownsville, TX – The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), Brownsville’s “type b” economic development organization, formally announces the selection of Cori Peña as the new President/CEO. In her capacity, Peña will continue to help BCIC grow economically through strategic partnerships with local businesses and organizations, as well as city managers. She will also help BCIC continue to be an active member of the community by working with other non-profit organizations and government agencies.
“The board of directors believes Ms. Peña’s skillset and long-time experience with the organization make her the clear choice to lead BCIC and continue the momentum we have built over the years, says Traci Wickett, BCIC Board Chair.
Peña began her professional career in economic development 17 years ago and began her twelve years with BCIC in 2010 when she took on the role of Project Coordinator. During her initial years with the organization, Peña oversaw numerous quality of life projects such as the Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts, improvements at Glady’s Porter Zoo, and the community’s nationally recognized hike and bike trail system that spans over 32 miles across Brownsville.
Today, as she embarks as the new President and CEO of BCIC, her primary focus is building strong business and community partnerships that will facilitate making our Brownsville community more competitive. As the doors of eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization will open later this summer, Peña will focus on growing the ecosystem of entrepreneurs to provide the connections, support, and resources to make our entrepreneur community thrive. She will also be developing a partnership with key stakeholders to develop and implement more economic programs and incentives that will focus on supporting our downtown revitalization, workforce development training, and innovative quality of life projects that will further the development of Brownsville’s unique assets. Cori is a proud native of Brownsville and studied at the University of Texas at Brownsville.
“I am honored to work with outstanding staff, board members, and city officials who are all working to energize our city and propel our community forward. I am committed to developing a new approach to economic growth that complements our city’s competitiveness by giving our human capital the resources it needs to thrive and investing in the strategic infrastructure needed to drive innovation,” says Cori Peña, BCIC Executive Director.
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is a “Type B” economic development organization with a mission to enhance the quality of life of its residents as well as create new economic development opportunities for the community.
For more information regarding this press release or any other resources related to entrepreneurship in the RGV, please contact Michelle Lopez, BCIC Director of Development and Communications, at (956) 243-4084 or by email at mlopez@bcic.us.
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