The McAllen Chamber of Commerce Board has announced a new president and chief executive officer.
According to a news release, Josh Mejia, now formerly of the Brownsville Community Improvement Corp., will assume the role of president and CEO effective June 29.
Blanca Cardenas has served as interim president and CEO over the last eight months. She will continue her role as vice president of membership services.
Mejia has over 10 years of experience in economic development, entrepreneurship, government relations and marketing. He has served as the chief executive officer of the Brownsville CIC.
“I look forward to working with Mr. Mejia as he starts a new chapter in the history of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce,” Annette Franz, chairman of the board for the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, said in the news release. “Mr. Mejia’s years of economic development experience and knowledge of the border’s diverse business environment will help further our mission of serving the McAllen business community.”
“We are confident that with his leadership and management skills, he will take the Chamber to new heights,” she continued. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are delighted to welcome him and his family to our beautiful McAllen community. Additionally, the Board appreciates the service of Blanca Cardenas and the Chamber staff during this period of transition.”
Mejia has earned recognition for his work not only in Brownsville, but in communities across the United States, Canada, and Latin America. He’s been recognized by industry leaders such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, the International Economic Development Council (“IEDC”) and the Development Counsellors International (“DCI”).
He has earned the 2020 Young Economic Development Professional award from IEDC and the 2021 “40 Under 40” award from DCI to name a few.
“I am beyond thankful to have been selected as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the McAllen Chamber and I look forward to working alongside stakeholders and partners to help define a new chapter in economic growth and tourism for the community,” Mejia said in the release. “I firmly believe in the potential McAllen can achieve through collaboration and renewed innovation to collectively achieve a new level of success for the business community. The McAllen Chamber is one of McAllen’s greatest assets, and there is nothing more exciting than seeing it become an even greater asset alongside the team I will be working with and the leadership that continues to serve the community.”
“My first actions upon my arrival will be to meet with each invested stakeholder to learn about their views and suggestions on how we can enhance the organization for the immediate future,” he continued. ”I highly encourage anyone who would like to contribute to this new chapter to reach out directly by emailing me at [email protected]. Each individual’s input is greatly appreciated as we build something truly relevant and impactful for the community together.”
