The Rio Grande Valley Partnership has a new president and chief executive officer, and the new leader is a familiar face in the region’s economic development circles.
Daniel Silva started as the Partnership’s new chief executive last week after an over three-year stint in the same role with the Mission Economic Development Corporation. Silva had a 15-years-plus stay with the Mission EDC, working his way up to the top spot. He’s now focusing on his new role and job at the RGV Partnership.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to work in a regional role and having a direct impact on the entire Rio Grande Valley,” he said. “The RGV is now more frequently recognized as a region capable of contending for opportunities that were once only available to the larger metros.”
The RGV Partnership describes itself as “a business-friendly nonprofit organization that encourages collaboration among the four counties of our region.” It has often been an advocate for bringing together leaders and voices from around the Valley to focus on key issues relating to economic development, drainage, and seeking funding from state and federal sources for regional infrastructure, to name just a few of the projects the Partnership has historically undertaken.
Nurturing A Regional Collaboration
Silva, as the RGVP’s chief executive, reports to a large board of directors made up of business and industry leaders from throughout the Valley. In his new role, Silva said he will continue to seek collaboration among the Valley’s business and community leaders in helping to grow the region’s economy.
“We have faced challenges when it comes to equality, funding opportunities and access to high-paying jobs across various industries,” he said. “However, more recently, with the region unifying as we explore opportunities in transportation, health care and education, we have made large strides in representing ourselves as an active and vibrant market.”
Silva replaces Sergio Contreras, who left the RGVP to become the CEO of Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez in McAllen. Contreras will stay connected to the Partnership by serving as a board member.