Cori Peña is a prominent economic development leader currently serving as the President and CEO of the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC). A native of Brownsville, Texas, she has dedicated over 15 years to the organization, rising through the ranks to lead its mission of enhancing local quality of life and fostering innovation. Peña joined BCIC in 2009 and has held various roles before being officially named President & CEO in July 2022. Her leadership is characterized by: Innovation & Entrepreneurship: She has spearheaded projects like the eBridge Center for Business & Innovation, creating a collaborative ecosystem for startups and small businesses. Community Development: She oversees pillars focused on revitalizing Historical Downtown Brownsville and managing "Quality of Life" grants for public parks and amenities. Regional Impact: Under her tenure, BCIC has become one of the most awarded economic development organizations in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), earning 13 IEDC Excellence Awards between 2021 and 2025.