Board of Directors

These leaders represent the pulse of the community and the promise of its future. Their insight, oversight, and commitment guide everything we do.

Ben Peña
Chairman

Ben Pena is a partner at Burton, McCumber & Longoria, LLP (“BML”) and holds credentials as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). Ben obtained his bachelor's in business administration degree in Accounting from the University of Texas Pan American in 1996 and has been with BML ever since. His areas of special knowledge cover various aspects, such as accounting and auditing, fraud and forensic accounting services, internal control environments, and financial fraud risk mitigation. He is also skilled in data analytics, including Benford’s Law data analysis and data mining techniques. Ben also offers litigation support services, damage model assessment, and business valuation services.

In addition to his service with GBIC, Ben currently serves as vice-chair of the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) appointed by Governor Greg Abbott for a 6-year term ending in 2027. TREC is the licensing agency for all real estate brokers and agents throughout Texas. Ben also served a 6-year term on the Texas State Board of Public Accounting (TSBPA) ending in May 2021. The TSBPA is the licensing agency for all CPAs in the state of Texas. At TSBPA, Ben chaired the Behavioral Enforcement Committee, Peer Review Committee and served on the executive committee as board secretary.

He has also contributed to local community organizations including board member of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce where he has served in various executive board roles from treasurer to chairman from 2014 to present. Ben also served as board member of the Brownsville Community Foundation where he was vice-chair. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Texas Society of CPAs (TXCPA). Moreover, he has served as a past state director at-large for TXCPA and has been an active member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). He has also taken leadership roles in various chapters, such as being a past president of the RGV Chapter of TSCPAs and ACFEs.

Overall, Ben Pena’s extensive experience, certifications, and active involvement in professional organizations and community initiatives make him a prominent figure in the fields of accounting, auditing and board governance.

Ben Peña photo
Ben Peña
Chairman

Ben Pena is a partner at Burton, McCumber & Longoria, LLP (“BML”) and holds credentials as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). Ben obtained his bachelor's in business administration degree in Accounting from the University of Texas Pan American in 1996 and has been with BML ever since. His areas of special knowledge cover various aspects, such as accounting and auditing, fraud and forensic accounting services, internal control environments, and financial fraud risk mitigation. He is also skilled in data analytics, including Benford’s Law data analysis and data mining techniques. Ben also offers litigation support services, damage model assessment, and business valuation services.

In addition to his service with GBIC, Ben currently serves as vice-chair of the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) appointed by Governor Greg Abbott for a 6-year term ending in 2027. TREC is the licensing agency for all real estate brokers and agents throughout Texas. Ben also served a 6-year term on the Texas State Board of Public Accounting (TSBPA) ending in May 2021. The TSBPA is the licensing agency for all CPAs in the state of Texas. At TSBPA, Ben chaired the Behavioral Enforcement Committee, Peer Review Committee and served on the executive committee as board secretary.

He has also contributed to local community organizations including board member of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce where he has served in various executive board roles from treasurer to chairman from 2014 to present. Ben also served as board member of the Brownsville Community Foundation where he was vice-chair. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Texas Society of CPAs (TXCPA). Moreover, he has served as a past state director at-large for TXCPA and has been an active member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). He has also taken leadership roles in various chapters, such as being a past president of the RGV Chapter of TSCPAs and ACFEs.

Overall, Ben Pena’s extensive experience, certifications, and active involvement in professional organizations and community initiatives make him a prominent figure in the fields of accounting, auditing and board governance.

Gerardo Gonzalez
Vice Chairman

Francisco Orozco
Treasurer

Anna Oquin
Secretary

Ankjaer Jensen
Board Member

Dr. Joe Hinojosa
Board Member

Antonio M. Bernus
Board Member