Bret Gardella is the Executive Director & CEO for the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation. Mr. Gardella brings a wealth of experience in business development, entrepreneurship, marketing, public relations, and community development. His expertise ranging from small business development to international recruiting and ability to formulate high-profile, image-based marketing is of great value to the corporation.

Gardella holds a B.A. in Mass Communications, emphasizing Television & Radio broadcasting from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, His rich economic development career over 16 years has spanned multiple states and municipalities including key roles such as President & CEO of the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation in Bastrop, Texas, and Executive Director of the Rosenberg Development Corporation in Rosenberg, Texas. Other significant roles include Economic Development Manager for the cities of Baytown, Texas and Rock Island, Illinois, and Economic Development Director for Avery County, North Carolina.

As GBIC’s new Executive Director & CEO, Gardella will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans and goals, promoting the acquisition and growth of businesses into the City of Brownsville, creating opportunities for those new businesses, and conducting technical research to further enhance the mission of the corporation. His forward vision and ability to develop innovative proposals are expected to drive GBIC’s economic advancements.