Cori Pena nas been named new BCIC president/CEO. (Courtesy photo)
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation announced the selection of Cori Peña as its new president and 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, BCIC said in a media release.
“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.
According to the release, 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.
“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,” Pena said.
A she embarks as the new president and CEO of BCIC, her primary focus is building strong business and community partnerships that will facilitate making Brownsville 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, the release stated.
In addition, she will also be developing a partnership with key stakeholders to develop and implement more economic programs and incentives that will focus on supporting the city’s downtown revitalization, workforce development training, and innovative quality of life projects that will further the development of Brownsville’s unique assets. Pena is a Brownsville native and studied at the University of Texas at Brownsville.
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.
