Ramiro Aleman has been named the new executive director of the San Benito Economic Development Corporation.
The SBEDC board of directors voted unanimously to hire Aleman at their Sept. 7 special meeting and announced the selection Oct. 13. Former SBEDC director Rebeca Castillo stepped down in June.
Aleman was formerly director of business recruitment, retention and expansion for the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, and before that served as manager of industrial operations for the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation. Through his 16‐year career Aleman has lead initiatives in all aspects of economic development, collaborating with officials at the federal, state, county and municipal level and building relationships with business leaders in Mexico, according to the SBEDC.
Among the high-profile projects he’s been involved with, Aleman served as project manager for construction of a cold room inspection area at the Free Trade Bridge at Los Indios. Also, working with AEP Texas and Valley International Airport, he managed the site-certification process for the Aerotropolis Industrial Park, the first project in Texas and second in the nation to be certified AEP’s site-certification program.
Aleman also served as project manager of for the master planning and development of the 730-acre Interstate 169 Industrial Park, and has recruited a variety of companies, from national chain restaurants to major manufacturers, to locate operations in Cameron County, according to the SBEDC.
“I believe San Benito has the potential to attract major investments that will improve the quality of life of its citizens,” Aleman said. “Strategically located in Cameron County and with assets like (I-69E), the railroad main line and the Los Indios International Bridge, San Benito offers companies a prime location.”
Julian J. Rios, SBEDC board president, said the board is pleased to welcome Aleman.
“I believe his knowledge of the region will help San Benito businesses excel and continue to grow our city by bringing in new businesses,” she said.
Aleman earned a bachelor of business administration in management with a concentration in international business from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He also earned an associate degree in computer science technology from Texas State Technical College. Aleman is a member of the International Economic Development Council, the IEDC International Advisory Committee and the Texas Economic Development Council, and serves as vice chairman of the Rio South Texas Economic Council.
