Josh Mejia, executive director of the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, has been named a top 40 under 40 economic development professional by New York-based integrated marketing firm Development Counsellors International and the North Carolina-based national executive search firm Jorgenson Consulting Inc.
DCI works with economic development and travel organizations around the world, while Jorgenson consults for nonprofit, economic and community development entities. The 2021 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award recipients were chosen from more than 200 nominees by an independent committee of six economic development professionals and site selection consultants. The awardees were announced during a March 16 virtual awards ceremony held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit.
IEDC last year named Mejia “Young Economic Developer of the Year.” He was among only two individuals to receive the distinction among IEDC’s membership of more than 5,000 across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other countries.
Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice, said the past year has underscored the importance of the role of economic development in “building and sustaining resilient communities.”
“ I’m especially impressed by the diverse perspectives and skill sets of this year’s winners as they lead communities to prioritize new ways of thinking, building inclusive and equitable economies, and bringing an attitude of fresh new ideas to the challenges in the industry,” she said. “The economic development future is bright with these young leaders.”
Mejia, a native of Brownsville, has more than a decade’s worth of experience in economic development, entrepreneurship, government relations and marketing. He joined BCIC in 2016 as head of marketing and small business development, and in April 2019 was named BCIC executive director by the organization’s board of directors.
Mejia expressed gratitude for this most recent recognition but said it was only possible through the work of his BCIC team members and the quality of the board’s leadership.
“ Economic development is only successful if all stakeholders work toward a collective impact,” he said. “Awards such as these are a reflection of how our culture is fostering continued momentum and success. On behalf of the team at BCIC, we are thankful for the award and we look forward to the success we will build for our beloved community.”
The city of Brownsville formed BCIC in 2002 to fund quality-of-life projects and foster economic development. Under Mejia’s leadership the organization has prioritized cultivating entrepreneurship and small business development in the city.
“ The economic development industry is in good hands with these rising leaders,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Consulting. “The communities they represent —from Tuxpan, Mexico to Covington, Kentucky to Quebec, Canada — are fortunate to have the smart, innovative ideas of this year’s winners.”
