BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Nathan Burkhart, vice president for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, has been announced as a recipient of the 2025 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award.
The biennial award, hosted by Development Counsellors International, recognizes rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.
Founded by Ted Levine in 1960, DCI is a New York-based integrated marketing firm with expertise in economic development, tourism and talent attraction marketing.
As VP for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Burkhart leads BCIC’s efforts to strengthen the region’s startup ecosystem and drive economic growth.
Cori Peña, President & CEO of BCIC, said Burkhart is the only Texan to be honored with the 40 Under 40 distinction in 2025.
“His leadership has been instrumental in advancing Brownsville’s economic development, from leading Startup Texas to fostering the growth of the eBridge Center and other important initiatives that support local entrepreneurs. This national recognition reflects his dedication and impact, and we at BCIC, along with the entire Brownsville community, take great pride in his achievement,” Peña said.
Burkhart, a Brownsville native, worked in Austin’s startup sector and the Texas Legislature before joining BCIC. His colleagues say he brings a strategic blend of policy expertise and entrepreneurial insight to his role.
Under his leadership, his colleagues say, BCIC has expanded initiatives such as the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization, one of South Texas’ largest startup incubators, and StartUp Texas, an accelerator program supporting dozens of local businesses.
“His work fostering cross-border entrepreneurship, securing investment, and enhancing economic mobility has helped shape Brownsville into a competitive hub for innovation,” a BCIC press release states.
Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice, said an independent selection committee of six economic development leaders and site selection consultants evaluated nominations based on the demonstration of strong leadership, commitment and innovation every day in the workplace.
"Economic development is a purpose-driven field that shapes communities worldwide, and young professionals are at the heart of that impact," Curtin said. "These 40 rising stars are driving change through their innovation, commitment, and leadership. Their contributions are already making a difference, and I’m excited to see how they continue to shape the industry in the years to come."
Jorgenson Pace, Inc., is also part of the team that selects the 2025 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award.
“As the economic development industry continues to evolve, emerging leaders are rising to meet new challenges with expertise and innovation," said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Pace, Inc. "Congratulations to this year’s 40 honorees—your leadership is making a lasting impact on both your communities and the industry at large.”
The award winners were recently announced at a reception hosted by DCI and Jorgenson at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) 2025 Leadership Summit, the only conference exclusively for Certified Economic Developers and senior managers in the profession.
Editor's Note: For more information on the 40 Under 40 awards program and this year’s winners, visit https://aboutdci.com/insights/40-under-40/
About Development Counsellors International
Ted Levine founded DCI in 1960 with a vision. He recognized early on the ability for place marketing — through the dual engines of tourism and economic development — to bring jobs, open doors, and elevate the lives of the people living and working in those places. DCI’s leadership team and staff continue to pursue that purpose today from locations across North America, including New York, Denver, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Montreal and Toronto. The agency has worked with more than 500 cities, regions, states, provinces, and countries to attract investors, visitors, and talent. For more information, visit aboutdci.com.
About Jorgenson Pace, Inc.
Jorgenson Pace is America's leading executive search firm specializing in the economic development, community development, and non-profit sectors. With over 60 years of collective experience, Jorgenson Pace is committed to understanding our client's needs and delivering tailored executive search services that drive impactful results. Our firm is built on the strong foundations laid by former PHH Fantus colleagues Joan Jorgenson and John Lovorn, who created and grew their respective firms, Jorgenson Consulting and The PACE Group, over the past 30 years. Jorgensonpace.com
About Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is a Type B economic development corporation. It is dedicated to driving sustainable economic development, enhancing quality of life, fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, supporting strategic projects, and cultivating partnerships that support Brownsville’s thriving and vibrant community. BCIC operates under four core pillars. The first is Community Development, achieved through initiatives like the BIG Grants, which support the revitalization and preservation of Historical Downtown Brownsville, and the Quality of Life Grants, designed to enhance the community’s well-being. These grants fund projects that create welcoming and inclusive spaces, improve amenities, and promote activities that benefit residents and visitors. The second pillar is Finance Programs, which support local small businesses by providing financial resources to help them start or expand. This, in turn, creates jobs with livable wages, contributing to the overall economic stability of the region. The third pillar is Innovation & Entrepreneurship, where BCIC supports the entrepreneurial journey with incubation, acceleration, and continuous assistance. Lastly, BCIC’s Marketing and Communications efforts drive public engagement by amplifying the impact of programs, fostering community pride, and promoting Brownsville as an attractive hub for living, working, and investing. For more information, visit www.brownsvillecic.com.
